Mississippi River Flooding 2011: Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway

USGS National Flood Specialist answers questions for CNN at the Birds Point-NewMadrid Floodway. USGS scientists are measuring the amount of water spilling into the New Madrid floodway as a result of the recent intentional breaching of the Birds Point Levee in Missouri in support of the Corps of Engineers operation. When flooding happens, USGS field crews are among the first to respond. During and after storms and floods, USGS field crews measure the streamflow and height of rivers and ensure the accuracy and reliable operation of streamgages. Field crews continue to work as waters recede, gathering high water marks for post flood analysis. All this data and information is crucial for such activities as the issuance of flood warnings and characterization of flood hazards to mitigate future damages.