Emergency crews deploy advanced aerial technology to locate people trapped inside vehicles as rapidly rising floodwaters inundate Palm Beach County.
Firefighters in Palm Beach County, Florida, used drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to locate nearly 100 people trapped inside vehicles during severe flooding on November 1, 2026. According to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, emergency crews responded to more than 70 calls from the Century Village area as floodwaters rapidly rose, reaching depths of three to four feet in some locations. Thermal imaging technology helped rescuers identify people inside stranded vehicles, including cars partially surrounded by floodwater. Firefighters subsequently waded through flooded streets and deployed high-water vehicles and specialist rescue equipment to bring residents to safety. Officials reported that nobody was injured during these particular rescue operations. The department also conducted additional evacuations in Riviera Beach, rescuing 71 people and nine pets during subsequent operations.
