Science that Weathers the Storm: USGS Scientists in the Field Preparing for Gustav

[Muttocracy]

http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2009

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists will be installing rapidly-deployable mobile gages and storm-surge sensors to prepare for Tropical Storm Gustav.

These temporary devices are installed just hours before an impending storm and provide additional real-time monitoring data in critical areas needed for effective forecasting and emergency response.

"We could not accurately forecast river flows and water-levels without the data and support we receive from the USGS," said Dave Reed, Hydrologist-In-Charge of the National Weather Service Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center in Slidell, LA. "When river and tide data are not available, our job of forecasting is much more difficult and typically results in diminished accuracy of those forecasts."

A special interactive USGS Water Hazards Map will be available tomorrow, which will provide real-time flooding and storm surge data from Gulf Coast streamgages and temporary devices. This information is imperative to local, State and Federal officials in order to forecast floods and coordinate flood-response activities in the affected area. Track changes in streamflow, ground-water levels, and water quality in a Google Map interface and access other USGS Tropical Storm Gustav efforts.
...


embedded links in the press release.