PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (GA NC SC) SAWSC Begins Sensor Recovery in Georgia as Dorian leaves the Carolinas

Date: Fri, 06 Sep 2019 10:51:13 EDT

Summary: The USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC) begins sensor recovery in Georgia while the Carolinas await Dorian's departure.

The USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC) comprises the states of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. All three are engaged in activities in preparation for Hurricane Dorian. Dorian is off the coast of North Carolina as a Category 1 storm. Raingages in Horry County area of South Carolina recorded up to eight (8) inches of rain.

By state:

North Carolina: USGS completed deploying rapid-deployment gages (RDGs) and storm surge sensors under a FEMA mission assignment. All employees returned home and will stand down until Sunday to initiate sensor recovery. As of this report, ten (10) RDGs and fifty-eight (58) water-level sensors and 27 wave sensors have been installed so far. One employee is in the field for non-hurricane related work.

South Carolina: USGS completed deploying all sensors and RDGs under the FEMA mission assignment. All persons have returned home. As of this report, nine (9) RDGs and sixty-nine (69) storm-tide sensors have been installed. Evacuation of eight (8) coastal counties is ongoing. The Charleston office is closed again today. Employees will initiate sensor recovery starting Sunday.

Georgia: USGS completed deployment of fifty-five (55) storm surge sensors and twelve (12) RDGs. Ten (10) two-person crews are beginning sensor recovery today. One (1) two-person crew is performing minor repairs to gages around Savannah area. The evacuation orders were lifted yesterday and the Savannah Field Office has re-opened today.

Total deployment numbers for SAWSC:
RDGs = 31 RDGs
Storm Tide Sensors = 182 storm-tide/27 wave sensors

Other information:

Dorian Flood Event Viewer URL: https://stn.wim.usgs.gov/fev/#2019HurricaneDorian

Dorian real-time dashboard:
https://webapps.usgs.gov/dorian/

USGS drone teams are heading towards the South Carolina coast today.