Development of a low-cost network of street-level flood sensors

Project 13

Overview

In order to enhance flood forecasts in metropolitan areas that presently lack adequate weather monitoring infrastructure, the Flood Sensor Device is created to be an affordable, decentralized network of street-level flood sensors. By installing sensors that collect hydrological data in real-time, this project aims to improve the accuracy of flood data gathering in response to the increasing risks associated with flooding, which are made worse by climate change. One of the key challenges involves integrating solar panels into the sensor design to ensure long-term sustainability and reliable operation in diverse weather conditions. Likewise, the project’s primary objectives include constructing five sensors, testing their performance both in laboratory and outdoor settings.

 

Community Benefit

By meeting the urgent demand for precise, real-time flood data in metropolitan settings, where flooding poses serious threats, the Flood Sensor Device provides tremendous community benefits. 90% of all natural catastrophe damage in the United States is caused by floods, which costs billions of dollars in infrastructure damage and human lives every year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Likewise, 85% of American cities experience urban floods, which frequently seriously impairs public safety, transportation, and healthcare. Cities urgently need more localized data to make proactive, well-informed decisions, as climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of such disasters. According to statistical models, early warning systems can cut mortality by up to 40% and increase the accuracy of flood forecasts by up to 30%. Additionally, the use of solar-powered sensors guarantees sustainability over the long term, making this project a crucial step in creating resilient communities that can reduce the risk of flooding in the future.

 

Team Members

  • Carolina Campos - ccampos2021@fau.edu
  • Dejah Murrell - dmurrell2020@fau.edu
  • Ethan Prendergast - eprendergast2022@fau.edu
  • Nahama Scandarion - nscandarion2021@fau.edu

 

Sponsored By

Dan Zimmerman, George Sklivanitis