To minimize human and economic losses from future urban floods in the U.S., a multi-organizational research team led by Dr. Lilit Yeghiazarian at University of Cincinnati, is developing an Urban Flooding Open Knowledge Network (UF-OKN). Recently awarded $5 million by the National Science Foundation, this network is designed to empower decision makers and the general public to anticipate, plan for, avoid, and respond to urban flooding by making digestible information available at critical times. Specifically, the UF-OKN will connect data produced by urban systems like power grids, stormwater and transportation networks, and drinking water infrastructure. Dr. David Curtis, WEST Senior Vice President and recognized national and international leader in flood warning systems and flood emergency preparedness, serves on the UF-OKN advisory board. WEST is proud to be part of this exciting multidisciplinary collaboration.

Urban Flooding and Flood Warning Systems at WEST

WEST has conducted thousands of floodplain analyses, flood forecasting, and delineation projects, including over 100 dam and levee breach analyses. The majority of these analyses required the preparation of inundation maps. Offering a team experienced with defining flood hazards, assessing risks and consequences, identifying appropriate flood warning technology, defining associated costs, and recommending necessary and viable flood warning improvements, WEST has designed, developed, and implemented urban flooding and other flood warning systems throughout the U.S. and around the world. Additionally, WEST personnel are experienced in developing flood warning systems that include publicly accessible, internet-based flood data collection, display, and information distribution systems. WEST has recently completed flood warning systems for Lewis County, Washington; San Diego, California; and Salem, Oregon.

Learn more

The NSF Convergence Accelerator supports team-based, multidisciplinary efforts that address challenges of national importance. To learn more about the NSF Convergence Accelerator, see https://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/convergence-accelerator/index.jsp

For more information on the UF-OKN, visit https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2033607

To learn more about WEST’s flood warning and forecasting services, see https://www.westconsultants.com/services/flood-warning-forecasting/