In recent years, Belhaven, a waterfront town in Beaufort County, North Carolina, has faced the challenge of flooding. Sitting just three feet above sea level, the town has experienced flooding from seven named storms and hurricanes in the last eight years, in addition to floods from regular storms. To address this issue, Belhaven has collaborated with SECOORA, the Department of Public Safety, and North Carolina Sea Grant to install water level gauges in areas prone to flooding. These gauges are disguised as solar panels and track water levels throughout the day to forecast when the next instance of sunny day flooding or nuisance flooding will occur.
Flooding poses a significant challenge for businesses in downtown Belhaven, many of which have raised their floors over the years to combat flood damage. Store manager Amber Coonce expresses her relief at the idea of receiving alerts from the town about potential flooding thanks to SECOORA’s monitoring stations. These alerts will help her prepare employees for travel and local residents for potential road closures due to flooding. The water level monitoring stations provide regular updates on water levels, enabling residents to stay informed about future flooding risks in the Belhaven community.
The collaboration between Belhaven and these organizations is an important step towards better managing future flood risks. By installing these gauges and providing regular updates on water levels, residents can be more prepared for potential flood events and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. The installation of these gauges is an investment in Belhaven’s future and will help ensure that the town is resilient against future flood events.
