Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are taking proactive measures ahead of Hurricane Helene’s landfall. Today, they are installing 13 wave sensors along Florida’s Gulf Coast, from Venice to Panama City.
These sensors are critical tools for understanding the storm’s impact. They will collect detailed information on water levels, wave height and frequency, storm tide, and storm surge throughout Helene’s duration. This data will be used to improve future storm surge and coastal change forecasts, aiding in community preparedness and recovery efforts.
Read: Hurricane Helene Rapidly Intensifies To Category 2, Major Hurricane Landfall In Florida Imminent
The sensors will also help identify areas hardest hit by storm surge, guiding emergency responders and local officials in their post-storm recovery efforts. The insights gained can inform flood insurance maps and building codes, leading to improved structural designs and enhanced public safety.
“Studying Helene and other storms gives real-world insight that’s valuable in helping with community preparedness,” said Kevin Grimsley, who is part of this deployment effort and the associate center director for data with the USGS Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center. “Wave sensors capture data at a very high frequency, so we are able to receive extremely detailed and comprehensive records.”
Read :St. Petersburg Braces For Hurricane Helene: Emergency Operations Activated
The sensors, housed in small, durable aluminum pipes, are strategically placed on bridges, piers, and other structures likely to withstand the storm. Information on the sensor deployment and the incoming data will be available on the USGS Flood Event Viewer.
As the USGS continues its preparedness efforts, residents in Helene’s projected path are encouraged to visit ready.gov or listo.gov for emergency planning and preparation tips.
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