Drone Technology Aids Hurricane Helene Recovery in North Carolina

Shamrock+ deploys expert team to capture aerial footage of storm damage

Shamrock+ has sent a team of FAA-certified drone pilots to western North Carolina to assist with ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The team is working with JBW Federal and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to survey debris in streams and waterways affected by the September 2024 storm.

Assessing the Damage

Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction across western North Carolina. The storm brought:

• Catastrophic rainfall

• Powerful winds

• Tornadoes

• Record-breaking river and stream levels

• 1,000-year flood events in multiple counties

Officials estimate that 50 million cubic yards of debris need to be recycled or transported to landfills. This poses a significant challenge for recovery efforts.

Drone Technology in Action

Shamrock+’s drone team began their work on February 6th, 2025, and continues to operate in the affected areas1. Their mission is to capture critical aerial footage that will help assess the extent of the damage.

Jim Lee, CEO of Shamrock+, stated, “Shamrock+ is once again stepping up to support disaster recovery where it all began. Our expertise in aerial imaging allows us to provide precise data that decision-makers rely on to assess damage, plan cleanup operations, and help communities rebuild.”

A History of Disaster Relief

Shamrock+’s involvement in disaster relief dates back to Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The company’s founders, Jim Lee and Ryan Murphy, met while working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Temporary Power Planning and Response Team in North Carolina.

Since then, Shamrock+ has evolved into a provider of drone-based imaging, 3D scanning, and reality capture solutions1.Based in Savannah, GA, the company specializes in:

• High-resolution aerial photography

• LiDAR mapping

• 3D modeling

Supporting Long-Term Recovery

Shamrock+’s advanced technology helps streamline damage assessments and inform rebuilding strategies1. By providing realistic and data-rich visualizations, the company supports long-term recovery and resilience efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s historic destruction.

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Read more:

• Unity in Crisis: How Drone Teams Mobilized to Aid Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief in Eastern Tennessee
• Drones Aid Disaster Recovery: Mapping and Photogrammetry Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
• Drone Missions After Hurricane Helene: Sentaero Pilots Deliver Vital Data for Disaster Recovery