Inclement weather happens everywhere and is occurring more frequently around the world. From hurricanes and floods to blizzards and other natural disasters, these storms impact all of us. Our eyes stay glued to weather reports as we ask, “What is our plan?” It’s impossible to miss news footage of downpours and uprooted trees, while waiting to see our loved ones marked “Safe” on social media. Regardless of the scale of damage, communities and disaster relief organizations come together to put the pieces back into place when the storm has cleared.
Staying informed, planning for the storm and rebuilding after the event all hinge on one crucial element: communication. What happens behind the scenes to keep us connected through a storm? American Tower operates towers and other communication sites that form the backbone of mobile connectivity; if a tower site is damaged or loses power, the ability to communicate is compromised. That’s why our operations teams work through each storm to enhance safety and maintain vital connectivity.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene in the U.S., our teams assessed more than 1,000 tower sites within four days, despite the widespread flooding and damaged roads. When Hurricanes Beryl, John and Milton impacted the Southeast and Southwest regions of Mexico, our teams worked tirelessly to monitor more than 50 sites to maintain service continuity. On the other side of the Atlantic, recovery efforts continue for the disastrous flash floods in Spain, with American Tower working nonstop to keep communities connected.
Communication and Safety Are Key at All Times
Preparation begins long before the storm hits. In the U.S., the American Tower Network Operations Center (NOC) monitors sites 24/7 using weather reports, special mapping tools and coordination with local authorities—each threat is meticulously watched. Our teams determine which sites may be impacted based on the storm’s trajectory and collaborate to create a Response Plan. Local crews gear up for landfall, ensuring sites are stocked with basic supplies, like security materials and, most importantly, backup generators.
Storm preparedness protocols ensure all equipment is operational and ready. Utility power outages are common during severe weather, so backup generators are critical. In 2023, more than 200,000 hours of power were provided at tower sites in the U.S. using backup generators. These generators are equipped with fuel storage tanks which can deliver power for up to 100 hours before refueling is required. In some areas, portable generators can be deployed if fuel is unavailable for the generator in place.
Managing each weather emergency hinges on seamless communication. American Tower maintains regular contact with mobile network operators, first responders and other local partners to provide regular updates on connectivity status. Our operations teams remain in close contact to provide weather emergency updates and adjust the Response Plan as needed.
Once storms pass and the safety of employees and crews is guaranteed, we are ready to tackle remedying the damage. On-the-ground teams move swiftly to conduct site inspections. Alongside local contractors, they clear debris and ensure safe access to each site. The structural integrity and general safety of towers are evaluated using both on-ground tests and drones for detailed assessments. All damage is documented and prioritized, with strict safety protocols followed during every step of inspection and repair. Minimal disruption to mobile service is the goal—once an outage or tower fall is confirmed, teams mobilize quickly, working nonstop to restore service.
“American Tower did a great job of keeping continuing information flowing and out to the teams … we had great response times to our escalation needs and American Tower coordinated well with the local market leads on all escalations … I also want to express my gratitude for your efforts and support. You went above and beyond to be helpful, available, and make things happen.” – U.S. mobile network operator customer
A Unified Effort
Managing connectivity through a storm requires seamless coordination among cross-functional teams. Our team members work around the clock to keep families and responders connected when it matters the most—ensuring we deliver resilient, reliable service as a leading operator. Thank you to our dedicated teams across the globe for their hard work and commitment to keeping communities connected!
