How Drones and AI Are Enhancing Hurricane Resilience in Commercial Real Estate
Commercial property is a huge investment that can make millions of dollars a year. As such, investors want to make sure their buildings can stand the test of time and weather the worst storms — literally and figuratively.
Florida sees more storms than any other state. Right now, it is being threatened by Hurricane Erin, which has been more prevalent by Africa but could bring storms and rip currents to the Sunshine State.
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season kicks off, commercial real estate (CRE) property managers are increasingly prioritizing storm resilience. In response, innovative technologies are stepping in to help.
Drones are becoming an important tool in protecting commercial real estate, especially in areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes. Property managers use drones to capture high-resolution images and videos of buildings, roofs, facades, and surrounding landscapes. This aerial perspective allows them to spot vulnerabilities that may not be visible from the ground, such as cracks, drainage issues, or overgrown trees.
When paired with AI-powered analytics, drones help predict maintenance needs and prioritize repairs before damage occurs. After a storm, drones can quickly assess conditions without risking human safety, providing accurate documentation for insurance claims and speeding up recovery efforts. For large CRE portfolios, drones make inspections faster, more cost-effective, and scalable across hundreds of properties.
Site Technologies has developed a clever system using drones (operated by freelance pilots across the country) to capture detailed exterior images of CRE assets. These visually rich scans feed into Site’s AI platform, which combines machine learning with engineering expertise. They can perform various tasks, such as analyzing pavements, roofs, facades, and landscaping to assess vulnerabilities before storms strike.
The AI-driven reports highlight areas needing maintenance—like unclogged drains, trimmed trees, or roof reinforcements. This predictive maintenance model helps facilities managers prioritize and allocate budgets effectively over a 3 to 5 year planning horizon. The software also features dashboards that flag high-risk properties, allowing teams to focus on what matters most.
In the aftermath of destructive events, Site offers post-disaster drone surveys. Comparing “before” and “after” imagery supports damage assessment and insurance claims, speeding up the response cycle for business continuity.
This technology is particularly suited for large-scale CRE portfolios. Site Technologies reports having surveyed around 13,000 properties across 15 countries, typically working with clients managing hundreds or thousands of sites such as Prologis, Link Logistics, and national retail chains.
Learn More About Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate can be highly profitable. Property managers and investors want to do what they can to protect these properties from harsh weather and other dangers.
Orlando commercial real estate lawyer B.F. Godfrey from Godfrey Legal can assist you. With more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience, I am able to provide efficient and cost-effective resolutions for a wide variety of issues relating to commercial properties. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (407) 890-0023.
Source:
cnbc.com/2025/08/20/cre-hurricane-resilience-drones-ai.html
