USGS Flood Information   

• 2012 Flood Events
• Hurricane Isaac
• Streamgages

Prior to the arrival of Hurricane Isaac, USGS technicians deployed 180 non-transmitting storm tide sensors and 17 real-time rapid deployment streamgages (RDGs) along the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coasts.

USGS Storm tide and Rapid deployment streamgages used during Hurricane Isaac

Storm tide sensors are non-transmitting submersible devices which continuously record water level during the event which can be downloaded later to determine the extent of the storm tide inundation and the depth of water over the land surface. Barometric pressure sensor data are used to adjust the recorded water level data and may also be used by meteorologists to document weather conditions.

Rapid deployment streamgages perform a function similar to the storm tide sensors in that they record the water level data, but they also transmit those data on a real time basis. Some RDGs also record and transmit real time meteorological data. Information from these instruments is being retrieved and posted for display on the storm tracker found on the USGS Hurricane Isaac web page.

Streamgage list:

Definitions

Hurricane Isaac data sites

Storm Tide

Temporary instrument that records storm-tide data (abnormal rise in sea level accompanying hurricanes).

Rapid deployment streamgages

Temporary streamgages setup to provide short-term water-level data for critical areas lacking streamgages during an event.

Wave height

Temporary instrument that records wave height (recording intervals of 2 secs. or less).

Barometric pressure

Temporary atmospheric pressure recorders used to correct the storm tide data.

High Water Marks

Physical or natural evidence of previous water levels. Click here for more info.

Long-term gaging sites

Streamgages

Location on a watercourse where systematic observations of stage and/or flow are measured. For more information about streamgages, see NWIS Web Interface.

Tide gages

Gages that record long-term tidal water level.

Tidal crest gages

Gages that record maximum tide for observation period (months or years).

Interested in learning more?

A more comprehensive discussion of USGS efforts during hurricanes can be found in this article:

USGS Streamgaging Program Prepares for Future Hurricanes To Ensure the Availability of Flood Data Before, During, and After the Storm