
Residents in hard-hit regions of the South are facing frustrating delays in cell service restoration following Hurricane Helene. Despite the efforts of major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, reliable network connectivity may still be a while away for many.
Cell towers are typically designed to withstand severe weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds. However, during power outages, many cells rely on backup generators that can eventually run out of fuel. In areas where flooding or road damage hinders access to these generators, the cell towers can lose power and become inoperable. Additionally, floodwaters can damage the bases of cell towers, further complicating repair efforts.