Track Flooding with the New USGS Flood Map
An online, user-friendly map that tracks flood conditions has been
developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

As expected rains drive flood waters higher along the Mississippi River
Valley, USGS crews are in the field collecting data needed to update the
flood maps, prepare forecasts, manage the flood and warn communities. 

This new system is part of the USGS WaterWatch suite of web-based
streamflow products and can be accessed at
http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/?m=flood%2Cmap&r=us&w=real%2Cmap

"The water monitoring systems shown on this map help ensure timely and
uninterrupted water information for forecasters, emergency managers,
scientists and the general public," says Robert Hirsch, USGS Associated
Director for Water.  "Improved flood monitoring and assessment will help
reduce the risks to communities, property and human life."  

This real-time water monitoring is part of a continuing effort by the
USGS to assist the National Weather Service (NWS) in making accurate and
timely flood forecasts. During a flood, teams of USGS hydrographers
travel to streamgages to keep the instruments operating and to make
crucial calibration measurements of the streamflow.

Other information available from this web site for each streamgage
include current flood levels, historical peaks and NWS flood forecast
information. Monthly flood reports are also available that include
maximum flows and compares the data to previous years that observations
were made at each station.

For more than 125 years, the USGS has monitored flow in selected streams
and rivers across the U.S. The USGS collects data from more than 7,400

streamgages, many of which provide real-time data in 15-minute

increments. The information is routinely used for water supply and
management, monitoring floods and droughts, bridge and road design,
determination of flood risk, and for many recreational activities.

Access USGS information for surface and ground water from 1.5 million
sites across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guam through the National Water
Information System Web Interface (NWISWeb) by visiting

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/

Contact:
Harry Lins, 703-648-5712, hlins@usgs.gov
Jennifer LaVista, 703-648-4432, jlavista@usgs.gov