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Every once in awhile, there will be a weather related topic that may interest you. One such topic is found below.
Dedication of Flood Warning System in Hot Springs, AR
 
The city of Hot Springs, Arkansas is a popular destination for thousands of tourists each year. The area is most known for its lakes, horse racing, and thermal waters/bathhouses. But it is also known for flash flooding, with numerous high water events that have swept into town from the surrounding hills.

During the evening of May 19, 1990...more than six inches of rain fell in a few hours. Cars and people were washed down Central Avenue in more than four feet of water. On April 9, 2008...the basements of several bathhouses were flooded, and high water threatened many businesses.

Heavy rain and flash flooding have long been a safety concern for residents and tourists alike. City officials have looked for ways to better monitor rainfall and rising water.

 

Renee Fair, Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service in Little Rock (Pulaski County), speaks at the dedication ceremony. In a joint effort of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Park Service (NPS), the City of Hot Springs, and the National Weather Service (NWS)...a new flood warning system was designed and installed. The system was dedicated on July 22, 2008.
In the picture: Renee Fair, Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service in Little Rock (Pulaski County), speaks at the dedication ceremony. Click to enlarge.

 

This network is comprised of seven rain gages, of which five also include float well stream height monitoring devices.  A map showing a network of gauges in the Hot Springs (Garland County) area...most notably along Whittington Creek and Hot Springs Creek.
In the picture: A map showing a network of gauges in the Hot Springs (Garland County) area...most notably along Whittington Creek and Hot Springs Creek. Click to enlarge.

 

An equipment box (used to measure and transmit rainfall and stream height data) at Whittington Park in Hot Springs (Garland County). Rainfall data in 5 minute increments is transmitted to the NWS via HADS (Hydrometeorological Automated Data System) every hour, along with the stream heights along Hot Springs Creek and Whittington Creek. 
In the picture: An equipment box (used to measure and transmit rainfall and stream height data) at Whittington Park in Hot Springs (Garland County). Click to enlarge.

 

The data will greatly assist the NWS in issuing timely Flash Flood Warnings in an effort to fulfill its mission...protecting life and property. The downstream Hot Springs Creek tunnel (arch) at Grand Avenue...or station number 6 on the map above.
In the picture: The downstream Hot Springs Creek tunnel (arch) at Grand Avenue...or station number 6 on the map above. Click to enlarge.

 

 

 

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