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USGS Crews Dispatched to Measure Historic Indiana Floods

Reporters:  Want to accompany a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) field crew as they measure flooding?  Please contact Scott Morlock, 317-716-8412.

Heavy rainfall of up to 10 inches in Indiana has caused record flooding in the state. Flood water levels are greater in some locations than they were during the great Indiana flood of 1913. This morning river and stream levels were above flood stage at 19 USGS streamflow-gaging stations. More heavy rainfall is predicted for tonight. USGS crews will be collecting flood data this week needed for flood forecasters and emergency managers.

Teams of USGS hydrographers are preparing to travel to streamflow-gaging stations to keep station instruments operating and to verify streamflow data needed for National Weather Service (NWS) flood forecasts. USGS personnel have worked closely with federal, state, and local agencies during the flood to provide flood information for emergency managers, the media, and the public. The USGS is maintaining a Web page that provides flood updates, photographs, and links at http://in.water.usgs.gov/flood_new/

The USGS operates a network of more than 140 stream gages throughout Indiana and provides this real-time information to the NWS where it is used for flood forecasting and to notify emergency managers. Field personnel collect data, or the gages relay it through telephones or satellites to offices where it is processed automatically in near real time. In many cases, the data are available online within minutes.

For more information on USGS flood-related activities, please see: http://water.usgs.gov/osw/

USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state. They can provide more detailed information on stream conditions and on the USGS response to local events: http://water.usgs.gov/district_chief.html