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Real-time flood data sensors being installed in New Orleans
By Jordan Lippincott,
20 hours ago
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – New floodwater detection sensors installed throughout New Orleans will provide real-time flood data and notifications.
One of the sensors, located near the canal along General de Gaulle Drive, is already active.
New Orleans is one of the first cities to receive the stormwater sensors thanks to a partnership among United Way, Verizon and its creator Hyfi.
“They send out ultrasonic high frequency sound pulses to detect the distance from the sensor to the waterline,” explained Brandon Wong, the CEO and co-founder of Hyfi. “As that waterline changes, the sensor sends that out over the wireless network.”
Stormwater managers, like NOHSEP, receive the data and then send the notifications out to the public.
So far, two sensors have already been installed, and additional sensors will be installed throughout the city within the next two months.
“We’re the voice for the community. We live in the community, our team lives in the community, so we know that information,” said Michael Williamson, the president and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana. “So, they gave us an opportunity to add to the process of determining the locations.”
One of the sensor’s creators says the goal is for the data to be utilized by various apps.
“That’s what we’d love to do is by this time next year, ideally we’d have Waze integration or Google Maps integration, something like that where it’s in the hands of residents just like that,” said Wong.
Those who attended a community workshop to learn more about the sensors say this type of technology is beneficial.
“We were going to help someone who had gotten stuck in flooded water and we were maneuvering around the city, trying to get to that location, and we ran into flooded waters, so that’s very helpful,” said Sandra Edwards, who lives in New Orleans East.
The pilot program is currently funded by Verizon. If they’re deemed effective, the city will pick up the bill.
“So, we hope that by integrating into these platforms like Waze, and by showing that there is positive sustainability impacts throughout the city, that this will prove to be a valuable pilot to sustain this monitoring network long term.”
Phase 1 of the installation process is expected to be completed within the next couple of months, and once Phase 2 is completed, there will be 50 sensors throughout the city.
If you would like to register for the next community workshop on Thursday, August 8, visit United Way’s website .
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