Concepts The National Weather Service issues flood forecasts that - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Concepts • The National Weather Service issues flood forecasts that are hydrographs and narrative. • Potential users of the NWS forecasts need tools to visualize what these forecasts mean to them. • Further, the NWS, USGS and FEMA all have site specific data that mean more when integrated.

• Combines the sources of data • Displays the information derived from the data • Enables users to make intelligent and informed flood event decisions • Heightens the personal awareness of flood impacts, fostering better planning and decisions

Inputs • Sources include NWS data of past, current and forecast stage • USGS gage reference information • FEMA stream profiles • FEMA flood frequencies and Special Flood Hazard Areas

Outputs • Graphics showing where flooding has and will be • Simulation of historic floods • Display of the Special Flood Hazard Area and 500 Year Flood

Grass Roots Project • Initial concepts developed in discussions with the National Weather Service, Charleston • Development by Engineering Perfection • Programming by Scott Jacovidis, Computer Science Student at West Virginia Tech • GIS and Engineering by John Rains, Engineering Graduate of Auburn University • GIS by Ben Stratton and Robert Maynard, Geography Students at Marshall University

Near Term Plan • Display information for all stream gages in West Virginia with NWS forecasts • Statistically evaluate the data inputs and identify the parameters with the least accuracy • Plan for improvement of the least accurate parameter(s)

What you can do… • Comment today on the function of the site • Work with us to validate information • Increase awareness of Flood Alert • Tell us what you want! What you can best use!!

NWS Flood Alert Terms & Colors

Charleston Wheeling NWS Color Key Philippi Belington

Find These Functions • Change in Stage for Recent Past and Near Future • Change in Inundation for Varying Stages • Comparison of NWS Flood Warnings and FEMA Flood Insurance Risk Estimates

Other Features Has social features built into the site. •Microblogging to send tweets. •Ability to form community action groups. •Photo upload capabilities. •Communication between members via private messaging.

FEMA USGS NWS

Results – Comparison of Different Agency Flood Data • Several instances of wrong locations and datums on agency web sites • Inconsistency between FEMA flood risks and NWS flood descriptions • Good match between the SFHA and the areal extent of the BFE gage forecast