A new online tool can help residents and stakeholders in West Maui prepare for coastal flooding events up to six days in advance.
The Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) has created a high resolution wave runup forecast for residents, businesses and government agencies.
“The main reason why we're providing this forecast is to be proactive, rather than reactive so everyone in the community is aware of what's going to happen, and whether flooding is to be expected," Fiona Langeberger, communications and program coordinator with PacIOOS, said. "And also with that be able to prepare in advance. So for example protect your property, clean up debris, remove lawn furniture, maybe also check with the County of Maui to see what other barriers can be put in place to to protect properties.”
The project was funded from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration coastal resilience program. PacIOOS hopes to develop the forecast modeling system statewide if funding becomes available.
The PacIOOS Wave Run Up Forecast tool for West Maui can be found at pacioos.hawaii.edu.
An informational presentation via Zoom to introduce the new tool and answer questions from experts will take place on Tuesday, June 8, at 4 p.m. Register here.
