USGS crews in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas measuring floodwaters and deploying additional gauges
To learn more about USGS’s role providing science to decision makers before, during and after Tropical Storm Debby, click the button below.
NOTE: This article was last updated August 9, 2024 at 5:00PM ET.
Across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, dozens of U. S. Geological Survey staff measured floodwaters, repaired streamgages, and in some locations installed Rapid Deployment Gauges in response to Tropical Storm Debby. This work is ongoing as needs are evaluated.
Data from manual measurements and Rapid Deployment Gauges are used to respond to the current needs of affected communities. Emergency managers and local authorities can use this data to inform flood forecasts and make decisions such as which areas to evacuate and when to close roadways and bridges.
The Rapid Deployment Gauges provide near real time information on water levels and streamflow in locations that may be vulnerable to flooding. Rapid Deployment Gauges fill gaps in the already 11,000-strong USGS streamgage network across the country. The information from this network and the additional gauges informs decisions made by other federal, state and emergency authorities as they work to save lives and property.
The USGS is also taking manual measurements on surface water levels in certain areas as needed. Manual observations are often captured where gauges are not present or to make comparisons with nearby streamgage data to help ensure accuracy.
The USGS storm response to Tropical Storm Debby is summarized below by state, noting data collection and forecasting activities as well as any significant floodwater measurements.
Florida
After Tropical Storm Debby made its Florida landfall, communities experienced significant flooding, which was recorded by the USGS streamgage network. USGS scientists manually collected streamflow measurements, or how much and how fast water is flowing over a spot, at different sites across the Tampa Bay region. As of August 8, technicians made 51 measurements. Four of these measurements were records for those locations, including the preliminary highest measurement on record at Gamble Creek near Parrish, Florida.
Click here to view live streamflow data from the USGS Florida streamgage network, which includes 440 streamgages in the state operated by the USGS Caribbean Florida Water Science Center.
Georgia
USGS technicians in Georgia have made 21 manual floodwater measurements to date. Preliminary data indicated three were record highs; one at Beaverdam Creek near Sardis, another at Ogeechee River near Rocky Ford; and the third at Little Satilla River near Offerman. These are the highest recorded flood waters in the 38, 20 and 72 years of active USGS gauges at those sites, respectively.
Tuesday, the USGS installed a Rapid Deployment Gauge to help track rising waters and flow near the I-16 crossing of Lotts Creek. This gauge was requested by the Georgia Department of Transportation due to rising waters caused by rainfall and overburdened dams upstream.
Click here to view live streamflow data from the USGS Georgia streamgage network. The USGS operates 406 streamgages in Georgia, maintained by the USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center.
South Carolina
USGS technicians have made 58 manual floodwater measurements in South Carolina. Technician teams installed high stage secondary sensors, in the Greenville, South Carolina area. These types of sensors are used as back-up for permanent gauges, ensuring data is accurate.
In addition to permanent streamgages, the USGS installed eight Rapid Deployment Gauges Tuesday and Wednesday to help track rising waters and flow. These gauges were requested by the South Carolina Department of Transportation and deployed along transportation routes.
Click here to view live streamflow data from the USGS South Carolina streamgage network. The USGS operates 294 streamgages in South Carolina, maintained by the USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center.
North Carolina
USGS technicians have made 62 manual floodwater measurements across 35 sites in North Carolina. A USGS streamgage recorded two peaks of record on Long Creek near Rhyne and Horsepen Creek near Greensboro, which has been operating for 24 and 22 years respectively.
Click here to view live streamflow data from the USGS North Carolina streamgage network. The USGS operates 294 streamgages in North Carolina.
Additional USGS Resources
Data from USGS streamgages and other instruments can be seen on the USGS National Water Dashboard and USGS Flood Event Viewer. The public can sign up to receive updates about water conditions through the USGS WaterAlert system.
As the USGS continues to respond to areas already affected by Debby, those in the storm’s projected path can visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for tips on creating emergency plans and putting together an emergency supply kit.
The USGS provides science for a changing world. Learn more at www.usgs.gov or follow us on Facebook @USGeologicalSurvey, YouTube @USGS, Instagram @USGS, or X (formerly Twitter) at @USGS.
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