PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (AL) USGS response to hydrologic effects from Tropical Storm Issac

Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:01:45 EDT

Summary: The USGS Alabama Water Science measures high flows in coastal counties resulting from precipitation from Hurricane Issac.

Hydrologic Conditions: Hurricane Issac brought between 6 to 10 inches of precipitation to the Mobile Bay area along the gulf coast of Alabama over the last three days. Precipitation totals varied across the coastal region of Alabama with Mobile County on the west side of the bay receiving greater amounts. Based on radar estimates some isolated spots in western Mobile County received as much as 12 inches of precipitation. Other parts of central Alabama have received up to 1.5 inches of precipitation, but the majority of the precipitation has occurred in the extreme southwestern counties of the state.

Event Information: On Wednesday, August 29, one two-person crew made high-flow discharge measurements on three streams in the Mobile, Pascagoula, and Fish River Basins. Measured disharges were the highest recorded since 2002-04.

On Thursday, August 30, one two-person crew continued to make high-flow discharge measurements on three streams in the Pascagoula and Mobile River Basins. Measured discharges at these sites were the highest recorded since 1998.

Communications and outreach: Reporter for Mobile Press Register accompanied field crew to observe and report on high flow measurement activities for article in local newspaper.

Sub-Region: Central South; Region: Central United States