Best source to keep track of US floods?
I am currently planning my trip to Texas, where we'll be driving around Houston/Dallas/Austin. Even though we enter Texas Oct 26th, we want to start planning our activities and hotels now.
The recent floods in Texas worry me, especially because they seem to be more frequent. I have been googling a lot on info and have found news of areas flooding close to the areas we want to visit.
I realize there is a big time gap between now and when I want to visit, but I am wondering if there is a way to find out about 'travel advice' in such cases?
How do I know if it's safe to travel?
Is it smart to book now, with this natural disaster occurring? What if my hotel is damaged and not repaired yet when I visit?
Best Answer
Personally, this is not something I would worry about. Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, blizzards all just happen and you can't really plan around them. So...
If you are traveling on a common carrier, you can check status before you depart. Amtrak is showing no delays in the area for example.
If and area is genuinely not safe, it would likely either still be restricted, such as residents only, or closed, such as a damaged bridge.
Yes, the best discounts are typically available further out from your travel dates.
Then you can't stay there :). If floods are the concern, the availability of you hotel can be know well in advance. Just call and ask if they're open.
If you are really worried, you can always get Travel Insurance.
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Quick Answer about "Best source to keep track of US floods?"
- U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
- The National Map.
- USGS Library.
- USGS Store.
How do you track floods?
The main tools used to detect heavy rainfall associated with flash floods are satellite, lightning observing systems, radar, and rain gauges. What we do: NSSL's research team includes hydrologists, hydrometeorologists and civil engineers to approach flash flood detection and forecasting from all angles.What are some organizations that monitor floods?
National Streamflow Statistics Program (NSS) The USGS collects flood data and conducts targeted flood science to help Federal, State, and local agencies, decision makers, and the public before, during, and after a flood.What agency is responsible for predicting and monitoring flash flooding?
The National Weather Service (an agency within NOAA) collects and interprets rainfall data throughout the United States and issues flood watches and warnings as appropriate. They use statistical models that incorporate USGS streamflow data to try to predict the results of expected storms.What types of geographic data collection can be used to predict floods?
A geographic information system (GIS) takes LIDAR elevations data and information from the TRIMR2D model to build maps of areas that likely will be inundated, based on the National Weather Service forecast flood. LIDAR systems use lasers that pulse tens of thousands of times a second.Managing floods naturally: what works best?
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