NOAA extends flood forecasting technology
David Vallee, Director of the Service Innovation and Partnership Division of NOAA's National Water Center, has highlighted the significance of the Flood Inundation Mapping tool in managing severe weather-related threats and natural disasters. This tool, which debuted two years ago, is now instrumental in providing vital information during emergencies and has recently undergone an expansion.
The Flood Inundation Mapping tool offers actionable, real-time information on river conditions, making it a valuable resource for emergency and water resource managers. According to Vallee, the tool has been a "game-changer" in providing actionable, real-time information to those who need it most.
Initially, the tool covered areas housing 34 million people. However, in the last year, its coverage has doubled, now reaching 204 million Americans. The expanded regions include southern Appalachia, the Upper Mississippi and Missouri river basins, and West Texas, among others.
Vallee emphasised that the tool is crucial in managing and responding to floods. It is designed to offer actionable, real-time information, making it essential for flood management and response. The tool provides nearly real-time information on river conditions, which is vital during emergencies.
The expansion of the Flood Inundation Mapping tool is managed by NOAA. This expansion aims to improve flood management and response in the covered regions, particularly beneficial for emergency and water resource managers.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the Flood Forecasting Center (Hochwasservorhersagezentrale, HWVZ) of the NLWKN has expanded its near-real-time flood mapping. They have integrated forecast data for the upper and middle Weser rivers, with plans to include the Ems river forecasts from 2025. This extension affects numerous river catchment areas in Lower Saxony, Germany. During flood events, region-specific situation and warning reports are published, contributing to warning apps like NINA and KatWarn.
In conclusion, the Flood Inundation Mapping tool is a significant tool in the fight against severe weather-related threats and natural disasters. Its expansion not only benefits the United States but also extends to Germany, aiming to improve flood management and response in the covered regions.
