NOAA and Verizon partner on storm damage survey project

Drones have a variety of purposes – from taking gorgeous photos and videos above our heads to even food delivery. Another purpose for drones – or uncrewed aircraft systems – is assessing damage in the wake of tornadoes and hurricanes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – or NOAA – has partnered with Verizon on a new research project. Tim Oram, the Meteorological Services Branch Chief at the National Weather Service Southern Region headquarters in Texas, says that agency already has some aerial imagery at its disposal. But that can be expensive and staff at local National Weather Service offices have to go through a lot of training for drone flights – a tough ask when they’ve got many other duties.

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