New York is launching a new statewide monitoring network designed to help communities better understand and predict flooding and respond to extreme weather.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the launch of FloodSafe NY, a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Geological Survey to develop what officials described as the nation’s first statewide Hydrologic Monitoring Network.
According to state officials, the improved technology will help communities anticipate flood risks earlier and make smarter infrastructure decisions.
How FloodSafe NY will work?
The initiative will expand and modernize New York’s network of streamgages, which will give local governments access to near real-time data on streams and rivers within New York state.
The DEC is contracting with the USGS to upgrade existing streamgages with camera technology, backup data transmission and two-way telemetry. New streamgages will be strategically placed in areas with a high need for flood warnings, while lower-cost virtual streamgages will be used in areas with limited data, according to the Governor’s office.
“This first-in-the-nation initiative will provide communities with data to make life-saving decisions and ensure a safer and more sustainable future for all New Yorkers,” Hochul said.
Flood Safe NY Launches Statewide Network to Improve Flood Warnings
