Assessing the Impact of Extreme Weather on Infrastructure Resilience

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heavy rainfall, pose significant risks to infrastructure, affecting both internet connectivity and nighttime illumination. This study analyzes the impact of severe weather on infrastructure resilience in Texas and Florida using datasets from Ookla Speedtest, VIIRS Nighttime Light imagery, and historical weather records. We employ time-series analysis, causal inference, and deep learning models to assess disruptions caused by hurricanes, storms, and extreme temperatures. Results indicate that hurricanes lead to a 35–50% decline in internet speeds, with latency increasing by 40 ms on average in affected areas. Nighttime light intensity decreases by up to 60% in regions experiencing major power outages. Comparative analysis reveals that Florida’s infrastructure recovers 30% faster than Texas due to stronger resilience measures. These insights contribute to climate-resilient infrastructure planning and predictive modeling of disaster impacts.