This is the second major rollout of Verizon’s climate monitoring initiative, building on its earlier deployment in New Orleans. That pilot, tested during Hurricane Francine, delivered real-time data that helped emergency teams navigate storm conditions more effectively.
Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer at Verizon remarked that “Flooding has been in the headlines more than ever, and the impact can be devastating. We’re pleased to launch these flood sensors in Chicago and we’ll continue to invest and innovate to bring game-changing technologies to communities that need it most. Verizon is committed to helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters, and these sensors are just one way we are demonstrating that commitment.”
Using Verizon’s 5G network, the Chicago sensors send continuous data to a cloud-based platform accessible to emergency responders and eventually to local residents. Unlike traditional flood monitoring tools that require manual input, Hyfi’s solar-powered system provides predictive alerts—up to an hour in advance—helping prevent property damage and increase readiness before storms hit.
These efforts align with a broader shift in how telecom firms are engaging with urban infrastructure needs. By combining network capabilities with IoT and analytics, Verizon is moving beyond connectivity to offer value-added services in environmental risk management.
Verizon’s implementation strategy in Chicago goes beyond hardware. The company is working with local nonprofits like the Greater Chatham Initiative and Grassroots Empowerment Mission to ensure residents aren’t just monitored—they’re informed and involved.
Community workshops, preparedness training, and public meetings are being used to educate residents about how to use the sensor data during emergency events. It’s part of an intentional push to ensure these systems serve all neighborhoods equitably, especially those historically underserved or disproportionately affected by flooding.
Data from the Center for Neighborhood Technology highlights that flooding often impacts lower-income communities more severely, underscoring the importance of equitable tech rollouts. Verizon’s approach reflects this reality, embedding climate tech within a community-centered framework rather than a purely top-down model.
