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Responders Turn to Drones Amid Hurricane Recovery

Uncrewed aircraft give public safety, utility, and infrastructure providers an eye in the sky.

Teros uncrewed aircraft system drone hurricane Milton and Helene
Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory deployed a large uncrewed aircraft, Teros, to assist with post-Helene recovery efforts. [Courtesy: Mississippi State University]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Drones are playing a critical role in hurricane disaster response and recovery in the U.S. Southeast, offering quick, cost-effective, and safe assistance for search and rescue, damage assessment, and infrastructure inspection in challenging conditions.
  • Drone manufacturers like Skydio are actively supporting local, state, and federal agencies with their drones and personnel to assess post-storm damage, such as to bridges and power grids, facilitating faster repair and service restoration.
  • Specialized uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) are utilized by research institutions (e.g., Mississippi State University's Teros for flood mapping) and NOAA's "hurricane hunters" (Blackswift S0 for atmospheric data) to gather critical real-time information for improved forecasting and disaster management.
  • The FAA advises individual drone users and hobbyists to respect temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in affected areas to avoid interfering with professional emergency and recovery operations.
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As Americans in the Southeast attempt to return to normalcy in the wake of Hurricane Helene and prepare for impending Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall near Tampa, Florida, Wednesday night, drone operators are doing everything they can to help.

“While helicopters are invaluable for their range and payload capabilities, drones complement these assets by offering quicker, more cost-effective deployment,” Skydio, one of the largest U.S. drone manufacturers, told FLYING. “Their ability to operate in challenging conditions—including wind and rain—and their capacity for remote operation from anywhere via a web browser enhances the overall safety and efficiency of the response efforts, ensuring broader and more flexible coverage.”

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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