Hurricane prediction technology more amazing than ever

Hurricanes are one of the most devastating forces in nature. A look back at Katrina shows us high winds, torrential rain, coastal flooding.

That's why it's so important to be able to accurately predict and track these monster storms. Now, we have some incredible new tools to do that.

See the evolution of hurricane technology:

This is one of them a drone called "coyote." It can go where no manned planes can, up to 1,500 feet above the ocean.

NOAA's hurricane hunter plane drops coyote into the storm. It can then be operated remotely -- taking measurements for about 90 minutes before its battery runs out and it falls into the ocean. Last year's hurricane season was its first in operation.

SEE MORE: Special coverage on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

"We had 2 successful missions last year in hurricane Edouard which is a storm not many people paid attention to. It was really far out in the ocean, but it turned out to be a very important storm for us to study."

The data was transmitted live to the plane then relayed to the national hurricane center. Forecasters say the information allows them to more accurately predict a hurricane's intensity.

The other new weapon improved storm surge sensors.

"The most dangerous aspect of a hurricane sometimes isn't the wind, it's the water. Back in 2005 hurricane Katrina brought an astonishing 27 foot storm surge to this part of the Mississippi gulf coast - the highest ever on a U.S. Coastline. Now our ability to accurately forecast these types of surge events is critical to warning the public."

This one is more than 25 feet off the water anchored by steel rods driven 70 feet down. The sensors not only measure the surge. Wind, air temperature and water levels are measured every six minutes.

Allowing forecasters to tell people how high the surge will get and if they need to evacuate. Saving lives and money.