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      By Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)      February 7, 2019    

## Hurricanes

### USGS CFWSC Response to Hurricanes

            -              Overview           
            -              Multimedia           
            -              Publications           

Preventing flood hazards, such as hurricane-induced tidal surge, from becoming human disasters requires an understanding of the relative risks floods pose to specific communities and knowledge of the processes by which flood waters rise, converge, and abate. Historically, hurricane-induced tidal surge has been documented through measurement of high-water marks left on structures or vegetation. These remnant signals are not always reliable or accurate, however, and do not provide quantitative information about the timing of flooding, the sequencing of multiple paths by which storm-surge waters arrive, or the magnitude of waves.

To gain better knowledge about the effects of hurricanes, the U.S. Geological Survey Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (USGS-CFWSC), in cooperation with municipal, State, and Federal agencies, uses two monitoring approaches to measure the timing, magnitude, and duration of hurricane tidal surge. The first approach uses the existing fixed network of gages that provide "real-time" data on water levels, and the second uses tidal-surge sensors that are temporarily-deployed in advance of hurricanes.

### Hurricane María

Hurricane María

### Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma

### Additional Links

                            - USGS Science is There Before, During, and After the Storm
                            - Storm-tide Documentation Program
                            - USGS Hurricane Response
                            - National Hurricane Center

### Real-Time Monitoring Network

View Media Details

The USGS maintains a network of real-time gaging stations along the Florida and Puerto Rico coasts. These stations record data at 15-minute intervals that are available on the web at water.usgs.gov, and include measurements of water level, velocity, specific conductance, salinity, temperature, nitrogen, turbidity, pH, chlorophyll, blue green algae, and dissolved oxygen. The real-time network monitors a large range of hydrologic conditions, from droughts to floods, and provides the data on the web for a broad base of stakeholders. In the event of a hurricane, the real-time network allows individuals to monitor the storm-surge data in near real time (maximum 1-hour delay). Depending on the elevation of the gage-house structure, real-time gages may be at risk of being inundated by flood waters during extreme storm surges.

### Temporary Deployment of Hurricane Storm Surge Sensors

To augment the real-time gaging network, a temporary network of hurricane storm-surge sensors can be deployed prior to a hurricane that record data at 30-second intervals. As part of this monitoring approach, water-level and barometric-pressure sensors are deployed to areas of projected hurricane landfall. The addition of these sensors creates a concentrated network of storm-surge monitors that provide more spatially-dense information on hurricane tidal surge. For example, temporary deployment of sensors in the projected hurricane path can be placed to monitor the escalation and attenuation of the hurricane storm surge along coastal rivers and across barrier islands, low-lying areas, and wetlands. After the passing of a storm the locations of the temporarily-deployed sensors must be surveyed to a known elevation. The USGS has successfully deployed temporary tidal surge-networks for Hurricanes Rita (2005), Wilma (2005), Gustav (2008), Ike (2008), Irene (2011), Hermine (2016), Matthew (2016), Irma, 2017, Maria (2017), and Michael (2018) Tropical Storm Ernesto (2006), and Isaac (2018).

 

View Media Details

### USGS Response to Hurricanes

CFWSC had been responding to the rains and flooding being forecast by ensuring that USGS real-time gages are operational and providing critical information on river stage and rainfall to the public, National Weather Service, and emergency management officials. In addition, USGS will deploy staff to make streamflow measurements at streamgages across the state to verify and update the river stage and streamflow discharge ratings. These ratings are critical for determining the volume of water that passes a streamgaging station at any given river stage and are used in issuing flood warnings, mapping floodplains, monitoring water-quality and environmental conditions, and managing water resources.

 

### Summary

The use of existing fixed network stations along with temporarily-deployed water-level and barometric pressure sensors provides a cost-effective hurricane storm-surge monitoring network for Florida and Puerto Rico. The combined networks effectively leverage resources of many cooperative funding agencies in Florida and Puerto Rico to monitor hurricane storm surge. The data are a valuable resource for emergency preparedness agencies to better protect public safety, for engineers to improve structural design of coastal infrastructures, and for oceanographers to evaluate and improve hurricane storm-surge computer models.

### Contacts

### Explore Search

                      - Hurricanes
                      - Droughts, Floods, and Hurricanes
                      - Water
                      - Hurricanes in Florida
                      - Hurricanes in Puerto Rico

View All **

Below are videos associated with Hurricanes and Floods.

USGS Hurricane Preparedness

September 30, 2017

#### USGS Hurricane Preparedness

link

Before a hurricane, USGS Scientists undertake a data collection effort of a grand scale. They install a temporary mobile network of sensors along the coasts to collect additional data on the intensity of storm surge, one of the most dangerous elements of a hurricane.

Natural Hazards, Water Resources, Emergency Management, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Arizona Water Science Center, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Communications and Publishing

September 30, 2017

#### USGS Hurricane Preparedness

link

#### USGS Hurricane Preparedness

link

Before a hurricane, USGS Scientists undertake a data collection effort of a grand scale. They install a temporary mobile network of sensors along the coasts to collect additional data on the intensity of storm surge, one of the most dangerous elements of a hurricane.

Natural Hazards, Water Resources, Emergency Management, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Arizona Water Science Center, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Communications and Publishing

Image of the Week - Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

September 29, 2017

#### Image of the Week - Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

link

Landsat 8 imagery shows the change in vegetation on Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.At the USGS EROS Center, we study land change, operate the Landsat satellites, and maintain the longest, continuously acquired collection of images of the Earth's land surface.

Natural Hazards, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Communications and Publishing

September 29, 2017

#### Image of the Week - Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

link

#### Image of the Week - Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

link

Landsat 8 imagery shows the change in vegetation on Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.At the USGS EROS Center, we study land change, operate the Landsat satellites, and maintain the longest, continuously acquired collection of images of the Earth's land surface.

Natural Hazards, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Communications and Publishing

The Anatomy of Floods: The Causes and Development of 2011's Epic Flood Events

July 31, 2012

#### The Anatomy of Floods: The Causes and Development of 2011's Epic Flood Events

link

Flooding costs the United States more than $7 billion per year and claims more than 90 lives annually. During the Spring and Summer of 2011, the central U.S. experienced epic flooding, while Hurricane Irene followed by Tropical Storm Lee caused severe flooding in the east and northeastern U.S, setting numerous flood records at USGS streamgages. Dr.

Water Resources

July 31, 2012

#### The Anatomy of Floods: The Causes and Development of 2011's Epic Flood Events

link

#### The Anatomy of Floods: The Causes and Development of 2011's Epic Flood Events

link

Flooding costs the United States more than $7 billion per year and claims more than 90 lives annually. During the Spring and Summer of 2011, the central U.S. experienced epic flooding, while Hurricane Irene followed by Tropical Storm Lee caused severe flooding in the east and northeastern U.S, setting numerous flood records at USGS streamgages. Dr.

Water Resources

Below are publications associated with this project.

July 23, 2019

####                 Monitoring storm tide, flooding, and precipitation from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, September 2017              

Hurricane Maria made landfall south of Yabucoa Harbor, Puerto Rico, as a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155 miles per hour on September 20, 2017. The hurricane devastated much of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Federal Emergency Management Agency, installed a temporary monitoring network of 13 water-level and bar

Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)

July 23, 2019

####                 Monitoring storm tide, flooding, and precipitation from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, September 2017              

Hurricane Maria made landfall south of Yabucoa Harbor, Puerto Rico, as a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155 miles per hour on September 20, 2017. The hurricane devastated much of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Federal Emergency Management Agency, installed a temporary monitoring network of 13 water-level and bar

Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)

June 17, 2019

####                 Monitoring storm tide from Hurricane Michael along the northwest coast of Florida, October 2018              

Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)

October 2, 2018

####                 2018 hurricane and wildfire supplemental funding: USGS recovery activities              

The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-123), was signed by the President on February 9, 2018. This funding provided $42.2 million to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for equipment repair and replacement, high-resolution elevation data collection in both hurricane- and wildfire-impacted areas, and scientific studies and assessments that will

Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Recovery Activities, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, Wildland Fire Science

November 2, 2017

####                 Monitoring storm tide and flooding from Hurricane Matthew along the Atlantic coast of the United States, October 2016              

Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

July 1, 2013

####                 Meeting the Science Needs of the Nation in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy-- A U.S. Geological Survey Science Plan for Support of Restoration and Recovery              

Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Hurricane Sandy

September 1, 2010

####                 Floods in Florida due to Tropical Storm Fay, August 15 through September 26, 2008              

Water Resources Mission Area, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)

December 21, 2007

####                 Monitoring the storm tide of Hurricane Wilma in southwestern Florida, October 2005              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 

April 25, 2005

####                 Floods in southwest-central Florida from hurricane Frances, September 2004              

January 1, 1998

####                 Hurricane Georges: Headwater flooding, storm surge, beach erosion, and habitat destruction on the Central Gulf Coast              

January 1, 1997

####                 Hurricane Hortense: impact on surface water in Puerto Rico              

Late Monday night, September 9, and into the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 10, 1996, Hurricane Hortense passed over the southwestern part of Puerto Rico (inset). Hurricane Hortense made landfall as a Category One Hurricane (74 to 95 miles per hour) on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, with maximum sustained winds of nearly 80 miles per hour. The eye of Hurricane Hortense moved over the towns o

January 1, 1996

####                 Storm-tide elevations caused by Hurricane Hugo on the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, September 18, 1989              

No abstract available.

January 1, 1996

####                 Coastal zone hazards map of Puerto Rico: Hurricane Hugo impacted portion of the shoreline, Cibuco (Punta Garaza) to Punta Viento              

#### Pagination

-                Current page            1 
-                Page            2 
-  Next page›› 
-  Last pageLast » 

Preventing flood hazards, such as hurricane-induced tidal surge, from becoming human disasters requires an understanding of the relative risks floods pose to specific communities and knowledge of the processes by which flood waters rise, converge, and abate. Historically, hurricane-induced tidal surge has been documented through measurement of high-water marks left on structures or vegetation. These remnant signals are not always reliable or accurate, however, and do not provide quantitative information about the timing of flooding, the sequencing of multiple paths by which storm-surge waters arrive, or the magnitude of waves.

To gain better knowledge about the effects of hurricanes, the U.S. Geological Survey Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (USGS-CFWSC), in cooperation with municipal, State, and Federal agencies, uses two monitoring approaches to measure the timing, magnitude, and duration of hurricane tidal surge. The first approach uses the existing fixed network of gages that provide "real-time" data on water levels, and the second uses tidal-surge sensors that are temporarily-deployed in advance of hurricanes.

### Hurricane María

Hurricane María

### Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma

### Additional Links

                            - USGS Science is There Before, During, and After the Storm
                            - Storm-tide Documentation Program
                            - USGS Hurricane Response
                            - National Hurricane Center

### Real-Time Monitoring Network

View Media Details

The USGS maintains a network of real-time gaging stations along the Florida and Puerto Rico coasts. These stations record data at 15-minute intervals that are available on the web at water.usgs.gov, and include measurements of water level, velocity, specific conductance, salinity, temperature, nitrogen, turbidity, pH, chlorophyll, blue green algae, and dissolved oxygen. The real-time network monitors a large range of hydrologic conditions, from droughts to floods, and provides the data on the web for a broad base of stakeholders. In the event of a hurricane, the real-time network allows individuals to monitor the storm-surge data in near real time (maximum 1-hour delay). Depending on the elevation of the gage-house structure, real-time gages may be at risk of being inundated by flood waters during extreme storm surges.

### Temporary Deployment of Hurricane Storm Surge Sensors

To augment the real-time gaging network, a temporary network of hurricane storm-surge sensors can be deployed prior to a hurricane that record data at 30-second intervals. As part of this monitoring approach, water-level and barometric-pressure sensors are deployed to areas of projected hurricane landfall. The addition of these sensors creates a concentrated network of storm-surge monitors that provide more spatially-dense information on hurricane tidal surge. For example, temporary deployment of sensors in the projected hurricane path can be placed to monitor the escalation and attenuation of the hurricane storm surge along coastal rivers and across barrier islands, low-lying areas, and wetlands. After the passing of a storm the locations of the temporarily-deployed sensors must be surveyed to a known elevation. The USGS has successfully deployed temporary tidal surge-networks for Hurricanes Rita (2005), Wilma (2005), Gustav (2008), Ike (2008), Irene (2011), Hermine (2016), Matthew (2016), Irma, 2017, Maria (2017), and Michael (2018) Tropical Storm Ernesto (2006), and Isaac (2018).

 

View Media Details

### USGS Response to Hurricanes

CFWSC had been responding to the rains and flooding being forecast by ensuring that USGS real-time gages are operational and providing critical information on river stage and rainfall to the public, National Weather Service, and emergency management officials. In addition, USGS will deploy staff to make streamflow measurements at streamgages across the state to verify and update the river stage and streamflow discharge ratings. These ratings are critical for determining the volume of water that passes a streamgaging station at any given river stage and are used in issuing flood warnings, mapping floodplains, monitoring water-quality and environmental conditions, and managing water resources.

 

### Summary

The use of existing fixed network stations along with temporarily-deployed water-level and barometric pressure sensors provides a cost-effective hurricane storm-surge monitoring network for Florida and Puerto Rico. The combined networks effectively leverage resources of many cooperative funding agencies in Florida and Puerto Rico to monitor hurricane storm surge. The data are a valuable resource for emergency preparedness agencies to better protect public safety, for engineers to improve structural design of coastal infrastructures, and for oceanographers to evaluate and improve hurricane storm-surge computer models.

### Contacts

### Explore Search

                      - Hurricanes
                      - Droughts, Floods, and Hurricanes
                      - Water
                      - Hurricanes in Florida
                      - Hurricanes in Puerto Rico

View All **

Below are videos associated with Hurricanes and Floods.

USGS Hurricane Preparedness

September 30, 2017

#### USGS Hurricane Preparedness

link

Before a hurricane, USGS Scientists undertake a data collection effort of a grand scale. They install a temporary mobile network of sensors along the coasts to collect additional data on the intensity of storm surge, one of the most dangerous elements of a hurricane.

Natural Hazards, Water Resources, Emergency Management, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Arizona Water Science Center, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Communications and Publishing

September 30, 2017

#### USGS Hurricane Preparedness

link

#### USGS Hurricane Preparedness

link

Before a hurricane, USGS Scientists undertake a data collection effort of a grand scale. They install a temporary mobile network of sensors along the coasts to collect additional data on the intensity of storm surge, one of the most dangerous elements of a hurricane.

Natural Hazards, Water Resources, Emergency Management, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Arizona Water Science Center, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Communications and Publishing

Image of the Week - Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

September 29, 2017

#### Image of the Week - Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

link

Landsat 8 imagery shows the change in vegetation on Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.At the USGS EROS Center, we study land change, operate the Landsat satellites, and maintain the longest, continuously acquired collection of images of the Earth's land surface.

Natural Hazards, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Communications and Publishing

September 29, 2017

#### Image of the Week - Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

link

#### Image of the Week - Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

link

Landsat 8 imagery shows the change in vegetation on Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.At the USGS EROS Center, we study land change, operate the Landsat satellites, and maintain the longest, continuously acquired collection of images of the Earth's land surface.

Natural Hazards, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Communications and Publishing

The Anatomy of Floods: The Causes and Development of 2011's Epic Flood Events

July 31, 2012

#### The Anatomy of Floods: The Causes and Development of 2011's Epic Flood Events

link

Flooding costs the United States more than $7 billion per year and claims more than 90 lives annually. During the Spring and Summer of 2011, the central U.S. experienced epic flooding, while Hurricane Irene followed by Tropical Storm Lee caused severe flooding in the east and northeastern U.S, setting numerous flood records at USGS streamgages. Dr.

Water Resources

July 31, 2012

#### The Anatomy of Floods: The Causes and Development of 2011's Epic Flood Events

link

#### The Anatomy of Floods: The Causes and Development of 2011's Epic Flood Events

link

Flooding costs the United States more than $7 billion per year and claims more than 90 lives annually. During the Spring and Summer of 2011, the central U.S. experienced epic flooding, while Hurricane Irene followed by Tropical Storm Lee caused severe flooding in the east and northeastern U.S, setting numerous flood records at USGS streamgages. Dr.

Water Resources

Below are publications associated with this project.

July 23, 2019

####                 Monitoring storm tide, flooding, and precipitation from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, September 2017              

Hurricane Maria made landfall south of Yabucoa Harbor, Puerto Rico, as a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155 miles per hour on September 20, 2017. The hurricane devastated much of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Federal Emergency Management Agency, installed a temporary monitoring network of 13 water-level and bar

Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)

July 23, 2019

####                 Monitoring storm tide, flooding, and precipitation from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, September 2017              

Hurricane Maria made landfall south of Yabucoa Harbor, Puerto Rico, as a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155 miles per hour on September 20, 2017. The hurricane devastated much of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Federal Emergency Management Agency, installed a temporary monitoring network of 13 water-level and bar

Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)

June 17, 2019

####                 Monitoring storm tide from Hurricane Michael along the northwest coast of Florida, October 2018              

Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)

October 2, 2018

####                 2018 hurricane and wildfire supplemental funding: USGS recovery activities              

The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-123), was signed by the President on February 9, 2018. This funding provided $42.2 million to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for equipment repair and replacement, high-resolution elevation data collection in both hurricane- and wildfire-impacted areas, and scientific studies and assessments that will

Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Recovery Activities, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, Wildland Fire Science

November 2, 2017

####                 Monitoring storm tide and flooding from Hurricane Matthew along the Atlantic coast of the United States, October 2016              

Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

July 1, 2013

####                 Meeting the Science Needs of the Nation in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy-- A U.S. Geological Survey Science Plan for Support of Restoration and Recovery              

Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Hurricane Sandy

September 1, 2010

####                 Floods in Florida due to Tropical Storm Fay, August 15 through September 26, 2008              

Water Resources Mission Area, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)

December 21, 2007

####                 Monitoring the storm tide of Hurricane Wilma in southwestern Florida, October 2005              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 

April 25, 2005

####                 Floods in southwest-central Florida from hurricane Frances, September 2004              

January 1, 1998

####                 Hurricane Georges: Headwater flooding, storm surge, beach erosion, and habitat destruction on the Central Gulf Coast              

January 1, 1997

####                 Hurricane Hortense: impact on surface water in Puerto Rico              

Late Monday night, September 9, and into the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 10, 1996, Hurricane Hortense passed over the southwestern part of Puerto Rico (inset). Hurricane Hortense made landfall as a Category One Hurricane (74 to 95 miles per hour) on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, with maximum sustained winds of nearly 80 miles per hour. The eye of Hurricane Hortense moved over the towns o

January 1, 1996

####                 Storm-tide elevations caused by Hurricane Hugo on the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, September 18, 1989              

No abstract available.

January 1, 1996

####                 Coastal zone hazards map of Puerto Rico: Hurricane Hugo impacted portion of the shoreline, Cibuco (Punta Garaza) to Punta Viento              

#### Pagination

-                Current page            1 
-                Page            2 
-  Next page›› 
-  Last pageLast »