Belhaven, a waterfront town situated just three feet above sea level, has recently received an upgrade to monitor future floods. With a history of being hit by seven named storms and hurricanes in the past eight years, the community is no stranger to the impact of severe weather events.
To enhance its resilience, Belhaven has partnered with SECOORA, the Department of Public Safety, and North Carolina Sea Grant to install water level gauges near coastal areas prone to flooding. These newly installed gauges are disguised as solar panels above the water and monitor and track water levels throughout the day. This provides valuable information on upcoming sunny day flooding or nuisance flooding that will help residents and businesses prepare for future flooding events.
For downtown businesses in Belhaven, flooding poses a significant challenge, with some having to raise their floors over the years. The installation of these water level gauges will enable the town to provide timely alerts to residents and businesses so they can prepare for potential flood risks. Amber Coonce, manager of Refinery store in Belhaven highlights the importance of being aware of potential flooding risks to ensure the safety of employees and residents.
The water level monitoring stations in Belhaven update daily and hourly, providing real-time information on water levels and potential flood risks. This initiative aims to enhance the community’s preparedness and resilience in face of future flooding events. Residents can also track water levels near them using SECOORA’s resources.
Overall this partnership between SECOORA, Department of Public Safety, North Carolina Sea Grant and Belhaven town is vital in helping communities like this one prepare for future natural disasters by providing real-time information on water levels that will help them mitigate any damage caused by these events.
