Description

1) Leading Trends in Real Time Flood Mapping by Harris County
Ataul Hannan, P.E., CFM, HCFCD, ataul.hannan@hcfcd.hctx.net
Co-presenters: None

Abstract: With the increasing abilities provided to the hydrologist through the use of better technology, it has now become possible to link various programs to map flooding events in real-time. Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) developed an in-house tool for the purpose of monitoring flood events as they happen. The product includes links between rainfall information from gages, hydrologic and hydraulic models, and GIS mapping in an effort to transfer incoming rainfall data into expected flood inundation maps. It is the ultimate goal of this project to continuously update the hydrologic and hydraulic models used in this system to allow the HCFCD to identify the effectiveness of various flood control projects in the Houston metropolitan area. The purpose of this paper is to present information that can be gained from a near real time mapping program such as the one described, as well as to gain understanding of the technology and capabilities that are currently available for the purpose of developing better floodplain management tools and practices.

2) Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Using VAST for North Carolina’s US70 Transportation Corridor
Dr. Shane Parson, PhD, PE, CFM, AECOM, shane.parson@aecom.com
Co-presenters: None

Abstract: North Carolina is focusing on the goal of securing critical infrastructure from the threat of extreme weather, flood events and increased temperatures. Governor Cooper’s EO 80 directed cabinet agencies to integrate climate adaptation and resilience into plans, policies, programs, and operations to support vulnerable communities. AECOM supported North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Division of Transportation Planning (TPD) to conduct a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) of the US 70 Strategic Transportation Corridor (STC). The AECOM team worked closely with NCDOT on conducting a multimodal vulnerability assessment and engaging key planning partners along the corridor. The 180-mile US 70 study runs from the Wake County east boundary and extends to the coast at the MCOLF Atlantic Air Force Base. The RVA includes infrastructure vulnerability using the FHWA VAST tool, stakeholder engagement, agency data, expertise, and resources. The study goals include identifying vulnerable, critical multimodal assets that connect with other modal facilities, military bases, and to assess emergency response, community lifeline and cost implications. This presentation will summarize the methods and results from the RVA. The key tasks included project coordination with the NCDOT Project Management Team, and technical strike teams. A Data inventory was developed of all asset and climate data needed to run tools with a data matrix with a gap analysis. A criticality assessment was conducted for the corridor and non-highway assets to align with the vulnerability assessment. The corridor assets were assessed for exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity to temperature, inland riverine flooding, and sea level rise/storm surge using the VAST methodology. New limited detail fluvial regression equations were developed to model climate change impacts to inland riverine flooding. The equations were designed to utilized precipitation indicators from global climate change model data, specifically factors related to annual extreme and annual total precipitation.

3) T-SURGE: Predictive Coastal Inundation Mapping for Road Networks during Hurricane Ian
Kurt Golembesky, P.E., CFM, North Carolina Department of Transportation, kpgolembesky@ncdot.gov
Co-presenters: Matt Dudley, mdudley@espassociates.com

Abstract: During Hurricane Florence, the State of North Carolina experienced significant flooding that included unprecedented impacts to the transportation system in the eastern part of the state. Many roads, including Interstate Highways were inundated and closed for days, impacting not only routine travel throughout the state, but the ability for emergency responders to reach areas in need. During and immediately following the event, many questions concerning impacts to the transportation system arose from Sr leadership that could not be readily answered. The NCDOT is developing T-Surge, a non-proprietary web application, with its contractor ESP, that can be used to provide predictive flood inundation and depths along roads. The application uses ADCIRC model results from UNC’s RENCI center to develop detailed inundation mapping and road inundation products. These data are compiled using an automated workflow which kicks off following ADCIRC model result availability after the National Hurricane Center issues each published advisory during an active tropical system. This application was utilized for situational awareness and pre-event planning in September 2022 as Ian approached and made landfall along the North and South Carolina coasts. To better understand the reliability of the mapped results, land truthing using photographs, social media videos, collected high water marks was conducted. This presentation will overview the features of the web application and how it can be used for planning by emergency management officials prior to the onset of flooding conditions and an evaluation of its performance during Hurricane Ian.