OOMG’s project “Using a Coupled Numerical Modeling System to Investigate Flooding Impacts During Hurricane Florence (2018)” was highlighted in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)’s Newswave Fall 2021 issue.
The goal of this project is to improve storm impact prediction through understanding of a historical hurricane landfall. The project focuses on improving hurricane rainfall prediction using the Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) model. Scientists from USGS, NC State, Louisiana State University, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research are collaboratively studying Hurricane Florence, which made landfall in North Carolina in 2018. The storm brought nearly a year’s worth of rain in a three days. Compound flooding devastated coastal Carolina towns. Accurate prediction of precipitation and compound flooding can give coastal residents and businesses better warning of conditions they will face, allowing better preparation and resilience.
