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)