Watch Duty App Expands to Include Flood Tracking Across US
The popular wildfire alert app Watch Duty is adding flood tracking for the US. It will consolidate official warnings, precipitation data, and river gauge information into a single, user-friendly interface. This expansion aims to provide clearer, more accessible flood hazard information to the public, leveraging a network of reporters for verification.
Key points
- The non-profit app Watch Duty, previously focused on wildfire alerts, has expanded its services to include flood tracking across the United States.
- The app will aggregate data from official sources like the National Weather Service, FEMA, and NOAA, alongside precipitation information and river gauges.
- Watch Duty aims to present complex flood warning data in simple, understandable language, displayed visually on its map with blue flood icons.
- A network of reporters, including first responders and emergency professionals, will verify on-scene conditions to ensure accurate information.
- The feature will cover various flood risks, including dam/levee failures and bridge collapses, and allow users to set personal river gauge thresholds.
Watch Duty, a non-profit application widely recognized for its wildfire alert capabilities, has announced an expansion to include flood tracking services throughout the United States. The move seeks to address the complexities users face in accessing and understanding official flood warnings issued by various government agencies.
The app plans to consolidate data from multiple sources, including official warnings from entities such as the National Weather Service, FEMA, and NOAA. This will be complemented by precipitation data and real-time river gauge readings. Watch Duty intends to present this information in an accessible format, utilizing simple language and visual cues, such as blue flood icons on its interactive map, to inform users about potential risks.
To ensure accuracy and timeliness, Watch Duty will leverage its existing network of reporters, which comprises current and former first responders, emergency services professionals, and dispatchers. These individuals will help verify on-scene conditions. The new flood tracking feature is designed to cover a range of hazards, including high-risk flooding scenarios, potential dam or levee failures, and dangerous situations like down bridges. Users will also have the ability to set personal thresholds for river gauges, enhancing the personalization of alerts.
Sources
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