USGS News Release: USGS Sends Crews in Indiana to Measure Flooding

[Diane M Noserale <dnoseral@xxxxxxxx>]

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

News Release 

Upon Receipt      
         Scott Morlock  
     317-716-8412        
       smorlock@xxxxxxxx
February 6, 2008    
               
               
           
         
      
USGS Sends Crews in Indiana
to Measure Flooding
Flooding is affecting much of
Indiana

Reporters:  Want to accompany
a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) field crew as they measure flooding?  Please
contact Scott Morlock, 317-716-8412.

Just one month after a major flood
in northern Indiana, heavy rains have once again brought flooding to the
state. This morning river and stream levels were above flood stage at 53
USGS streamflow-gaging stations. Evacuations have started in several counties
in north-central Indiana. USGS crews will be out today collecting flood
data needed for flood forecasts.

Map of USGS streamflow-gages with water levels above flood stage

Teams of USGS hydrographers are
preparing to travel to streamflow-gaging stations to keep station instruments
operating and to verify streamflow data needed for National Weather Service
(NWS) flood forecasts. USGS personnel have worked closely with federal,
state, and local agencies during the flood to provide flood information
for emergency managers, the media, and the public. The USGS is maintaining
a Web page that provides flood updates, photographs, and links at http://in.water.usgs.gov/flood_new/

The USGS operates a network of
more than 140 stream gages throughout Indiana and provides this real-time
information to the NWS where it is used for flood forecasting and to notify
emergency managers. Field personnel collect data, or the gages relay it
through telephones or satellites to offices where it is processed automatically
in near real time. In many cases, the data are available online within
minutes. 

For more information on USGS flood-related
activities, please see: http://water.usgs.gov/osw/

USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state. They can provide more detailed information on stream conditions and on the USGS response to local events: http://water.usgs.gov/district_chief.html

USGS provides science for a changing world. For more information, visit www.usgs.gov.

Subscribe to USGS News Releases via our electronic mailing list or RSS feed.

**** www.usgs.gov ****

Diane Noserale
Media Relations, Eastern Region
U.S. Geological Survey
150 National Center
Reston, VA  20192
phone:  703-648-4333
fax: 703-648-4588