How cellphone carriers prepare for hurricane season with AI, drones and ‘cows’

After Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding in Asheville, North Carolina, residents like Anthony Leone and Corinne Saunders are preparing for future storms. Living in the Outer Banks for over 20 years, they know the drill: stock up on supplies and limit phone use during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Despite predictions of below-normal hurricane activity, powerful storms can still disrupt power and communication. To combat this, cellphone carriers like Verizon and AT&T are enhancing their hurricane response strategies. Verizon uses drones and AI to assess damage and deploys mobile tools like “cells on wheels” and drones to restore service quickly. AT&T also prepares with a fleet of boats and helicopters. These efforts aim to maintain communication during storms, crucial for safety and staying connected. QUESTION: How might advancements in technology change the way communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters in the future?