Microwave satellite data are key to capturing major changes in a hurricane’s strength, such as when a storm undergoes rapid intensification. But a main source of those data is being abruptly shut off

This is a big deal," meteorologist Michael Lowry said. "For hurricane forecasting, this is the biggest hit that I've seen to our capabilities in a very long time.”

Forecasters are set to lose some of their sharpest eyes in the sky just a few months before Atlantic hurricane season peaks when the Department of Defense halts a key source of satellite data over cybersecurity concerns.