Tools to help forecast and navigate flooding
NOAA’s Water Prediction Service can help predict flooding conditions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - After devastating flooding on May 8, a certain tool can tell you the flood forecast for rivers in your area
Many cities across Middle Tennessee have already seen more rainfall so far this month than they normally would in a whole month’s time. Relentless flooding on May 8 devastated many communities.
Many Middle Tennessee rivers experienced at least minor flooding which had impacts on life and property. Flooding forecasts are more easily digestible with a new tool by NOAA.
NOAA recently unveiled an experimental website, the National Water Prediction Service, which gives users access to water data and forecast information.
For rivers that are still experiencing flooding, users can see when the rivers are expected to crest and how much above flood-stage the rivers levels will rise.
This can be extremely helpful to property owners in determining if they need to evacuate or not and also if worse flooding will be experienced when the river crests.
The site combines data and information from the Advanced Hydrological Prediction Service (AHPS) and NOAA’s Office of Water Prediction.
The website features tools that can help users make informed decisions based on water observations and forecasts.
The map on the website is interactive. You can see current river gauge levels, precipitation estimates, forecast river levels, national water models, snow analysis and flood inundation maps.
The forecast river levels are tremendously helpful as it can forecast potential flooding up to a week in advance.
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