News Summary
The CRIS-HAZARD flood app, developed by the University of South Florida, has been enhanced following evaluations during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The app allows residents to contribute real-time data about flooding in Pinellas County, increasing camera capabilities and improving emergency response measures. Upcoming installations aim to expand its reach, helping communities better manage flooding risks, especially amid recent concerns over construction-related water levels.
St. Petersburg, Florida – CRIS-HAZARD Flood App Enhanced After Recent Hurricanes
Researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) have strengthened the capabilities of the CRIS-HAZARD flood app, which was launched in Pinellas County in September 2024. This crowdsourcing platform allows residents to upload photos of neighborhood flooding, facilitating real-time monitoring of rising water levels. The app’s effectiveness was evaluated during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, demonstrating its utility in gathering crucial data related to flooding events.
The app is similar to the Waze navigation application, making it user-friendly while also serving as a vital tool for community members to contribute to flood monitoring efforts. During Hurricane Helene, the app gathered substantial data, owing to the availability of numerous cameras in affected areas. The recent enhancements have boosted the number of cameras from eight to thirty-one, with plans for further installations. Solar-powered cameras have been deployed in targeted cities such as St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, and Dunedin, enabling residents to upload photos and assess the extent of water levels.
In addition to user-submitted photos, the app leverages reference and historical images that help depict normal water levels. Access to the comprehensive flood map, which interprets visual data using artificial intelligence and computer vision, is facilitated through the website www.stormsquard.org. This mapping ability transforms individual experiences into actionable insights regarding the depth and extent of flooding, crucial for determining effective emergency responses.
The potential for the app extends beyond major storms, as researchers point out the significance of uploading data during less severe, no-name storms. This information could prove valuable in improving flood predictions in the future. Local government initiatives aim to utilize the app to enhance emergency response plans, particularly in assessing where to send rescue vehicles based on water depth.
As heavy rainfall is forecasted from Monday through Wednesday, Pinellas County has issued warnings of potential flooding, urging residents to exercise caution. Additionally, the county has provided safety guidelines, emphasizing the dangers of traversing flooded areas, even when water appears to be shallow and fast-moving.
In Disston Heights, local residents have expressed concerns over rising water levels linked to a nearby construction project. City officials are currently inspecting this site to ensure compliance with flood risk management standards. In Palm Harbor, family members experienced distress as their home took on five feet of water during Hurricane Milton, despite being located outside a designated flood zone. This flooding was attributed to ground saturation from prior storms and possible issues with local storm drain infrastructure. The affected families are now seeking assistance from Pinellas County regarding infrastructure improvements to mitigate future flooding risks.
The project is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, which is set to conclude in 2026. As such, additional funding will be necessary for continuing expansions and enhancements of the CRIS-HAZARD app. Gulfport has been identified as the next city slated to receive new cameras and poles for monitoring water depths, further expanding the app’s reach and operational capacity. The research team collaborates with floodplain managers to recognize communities that require urgent tracking of flooding events.
In summary, the enhancement of the CRIS-HAZARD flood app represents a significant advancement in flood monitoring efforts in Pinellas County. With the integration of new technologies and increased community involvement, researchers aim to improve resilience against future flooding scenarios and inform effective emergency management responses.
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Additional Resources
- Hoodline: Pinellas County Flooding Warning
- Wikipedia: Flood
- WTSP: New Construction Floodwaters Investigation
- Google Search: Pinellas County flooding
- Fox 13 News: Increased Flooding Reports
- Google Scholar: flooding Pinellas County
- Weather.com: Florida Flooding Video
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- WFLA: Flash Flood Warning Issued
- Google News: Pinellas County flood warnings
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