VIMS Starts Tide Watch Site

Predictions will help Bay-area residents better prepare for coastal flooding

Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have added forecast capabilities to their network of Tidewatch water-level stations, giving residents of the lower Chesapeake Bay region a new on-line tool for gauging the magnitude of coastal flooding in a given location and minimizing its potential impacts.

The public launch of the Tidewatch forecast system (vims.edu/tidewatch) comes just in time for the height of the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically peaks on September 10. A string of hurricanes and strong nor’easters during recent years, coupled with rising sea level, have brought several episodes of significant flooding to Tidewater Virginia and other areas of the Bay.

Emeritus professor John Boon, lead developer of the Tidewatch system, says the forecasts will provide concerned citizens with “timely guidance on what the time and height of the next three high waters are expected to be.” He adds “They can use that information to prepare for coastal flooding, whether that involves gathering sand bags, moving possessions to higher ground, adjusting mooring lines for their boat, or choosing an evacuation route.”

Not a bad idea. Although, to date I've been pretty happy with the results of NOAA's extra-tropical storm surge site.  I know I've posted predictions and results off it before, and it covers a much wider area.  I'm sure VIMS sees this as a good branding effort as well.