Chicago's New Flood Sensors: Verizon's 5G-Driven Solution

When natural disasters occur, each minute is crucial for response teams. In 2025, technology offers authorities more time to prepare against extreme weather. Verizon emerges as a leader providing such technologies.

This month, the American telecommunications giant deploys about 50 floodwater sensors across Chicago, targeted at the areas most susceptible to flooding. The Windy City becomes the second US city to implement Verizon's flood monitoring technology.

These sensors, developed by Michigan’s start-up Hyfi, utilise Verizon's 5G network. This hardware delivers real-time water level data to city managers and emergency teams, enabling proper response planning.

"Flooding has been in the headlines more than ever, and the impact can be devastating," states Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer at Verizon.

Urban Challenges with Flooding

Chicago's recurring flood issues stem from its combined sewer systems, which overflow during heavy rainfalls. Such overflows result in basement back-ups and street flooding, presenting substantial infrastructure and public safety challenges.

Hyfi's platform, which integrates wireless, solar-powered sensors with a web-based app, maps real-time flood conditions.

"Chicago is a leader in using data to confront urban flooding directly," explains Brandon Wong, CEO of Hyfi.

The system removes the need for manual sensor calibration during severe weather when field access poses a danger to emergency responders.

Community Engagement Efforts

The project features a community outreach aspect managed by the Center for Neighborhood Technology.

Local groups like The Greater Chatham Initiative, Grassroots Empowerment Mission, and North River Commission hold community meetings to acquaint residents with the new monitoring system.

"Our research shows the problem is worse in areas with limited resources," says Nina Idemudia, CEO of Center for Neighborhood Technology.

Eventually, local residents will access sensor data via the app, enabling neighbourhoods to independently monitor flooding conditions.

Future Plans for Expansion

This Chicago deployment marks the initial phase of a multi-city flood warning network. Verizon intends to extend this rollout to other cities within the next year, though specific locations remain unmentioned.

The sensors offer up to an hour’s advance flood warnings before water levels become critical, Brandon notes.

Hyfi joins Verizon's Frontline Innovation Program, inaugurated in 2024 to develop emergency response technologies. Investing in infrastructure caters to rising concerns over urban flooding as severe weather events grow in intensity.

Increasing urban development results in more impervious surfaces, impeding natural water absorption.

"We're focused on helping crews and communities stay ahead of floods — up to an hour before a flood hits," Brandon mentions. The affordable sensor technology pivots towards preventative flood management rather than reactive emergency measures.