A new high-water detection system is planned for South Montgomery County that could help alert first responders if flooding or flash flooding is occurring, Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack’s office said in an April news release.
Precinct 3 partnered with Paradigm Traffic and Applied Information to create and design the system, which uses radar sensors and cameras to detect rapidly rising water in real time, according to the release. The system is designed to monitor both roads and the levels of streams and creeks in the region.
The system will allow for faster response times from emergency services, according to the release. Emails are dispatched to area agencies when water levels cross a predetermined threshold.
The units can be installed on bridges, traffic signals or as standalone units and will integrate with Montgomery County Northstar Advanced Transportation, according to the release. Locations for the system sensors have not yet been announced.
Based on results from several test locations, Precinct 3 will place more sensors in areas prone to flooding, said Andrew DuBois, Precinct 3 manager of projects and logistics.
"The sensors are capable of measuring the water level along creeks, rivers and lakes, such as at the Lake Woodlands dam, so we are exploring the possibility of placing sensors in these areas in addition to our own roadside ditches so we can quickly identify waterways that are approaching or at flood stage levels," he said.