On August 1, USGS scientist Robert Holmes will give a lecture about the anatomy of floods in relation to the 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee landfalls.

Flooding costs the United States more than $7 billion per year and claims over 90 lives annually. During the Spring and Summer of 2011, flooding associated with snowmelt and rain devastated the Central U.S. while Hurricane Irene followed by Tropical Storm Lee caused severe and unrelenting flooding in the East and Northeastern U.S. Join us on August 1 to learn more about the anatomy of flooding: What are the different causes of these extreme events, and how is USGS science helping prepare residents for future foods.
FREE and Open to the Public
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Date: Wednesday, August 1, 2011, 7:00-8:00 PM
Location: 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192
Phone:  703-648-4748
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About the Lecture Series
The USGS Science in Action public lecture series in Reston, VA is a monthly event. These evening events are free to the public and intended for a general audience to familiarize them with science issues that are meaningful to our daily lives.
The USGS speakers are selected for their ability and enthusiasm to share their expertise with an audience that may be unfamiliar with the topic.
The USGS lecture series provides the public an opportunity to interact with scientists and ask questions about recent developments in biology, geography, geology, water resources, climate change, energy and more. Ultimately, the goal is to create a better understanding of the importance and value of USGS Science in Action.
Contact: Melanie Gade

Map of real-time streamflow

Rivers and streams are reaching record levels as a result of Hurricane Irene’s rainfall, with more than 80 USGS streamgages measuring record peaks. USGS scientists are measuring streamflow and river levels, and repairing and installing streamgages.

Crews continue to collect and analyze storm surge data from Hurricane Irene and document coastal erosion impacts. Other crews are out sampling water for pesticides, E. coli, nutrients, and sediment to document water quality impacts in areas affected by the hurricane.

John Erbland, Hydrologic Technician with the USGS South Carolina Water Science Center, holds a white board with information on the Hurricane Irene storm surge sensor deployment on a pier by the U.S. Coast Guard Station in the town of Wrightsville Beach.

John Byrnes of the USGS office in Troy, NY collecting a Hurricane Irene sample at the Mohawk River at Cohoes on August 29, 2010. As Hurricane Irene left her mark along the East Coast, USGS crews sampled water for pesticides, E. coli, nutrients, and sediment to document water quality in areas affected by the hurricane.

Links to flooding, storm surge, coastal erosion, and water quality information are available at:

• USGS Hurricane Irene Response

News Releases:

• Aerial Photos of Outer Banks Show Coastal Damage from Hurricane Irene
• Smart Phones Know When Rivers Rise…with USGS WaterAlert
• River Levels Set Records in 10 States
• Media Advisory: USGS Crews to Retrieve Storm Surge Sensors
• USGS In the Surge Sampling for Nutrients, Sediment, E. coli, and Pesticides
• USGS Responds to Hurricane Irene and Prepares for Aftermath
• Stormproofing Water Data from Hurricane Irene
• USGS Installs Sensors along Atlantic prior to Hurricane Irene’s Arrival
• Extensive Erosion Likely along North Carolina Beaches during Irene

Video:

• 2011: Interior Thanks USGS for Flood Efforts

Other Agencies:

• NWS Flood Page
• NOAA Hurricane Center
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)