Overview

The North Carolina Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) produces maps in real-time that depict areas of inundation as well as flood forecast maps that show areas that are expected to become inundated hours and days into the future. The inundation maps are based on the best available elevation and engineering data and methods developed through the NC Floodplain Mapping Program. They use consistent modeling techniques and tap common GIS base data layers. Real time data from US Geological Survey (USGS) stream gages, including new gages funded by the project, feed the system. The system also integrates products of the National Weather Service river forecasting system.

Purpose

At the height of the flooding brought by Hurricane Floyd in September 1999, Governor James B. Hunt asked the State Emergency Response Team why officials did not anticipate the extent of the flooding. He was searching for the technical means to warn emergency managers and residents in time to reduce losses to life and property. The historic magnitude of the flood notwithstanding, Governor Hunt's assertion that information technology could be employed to lessen the impact of flooding was on the mark.

Governor Hunt and the General Assembly tasked the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program to improve the flood information and flood forecasting system for North Carolina. The goal of the proposed system is to reduce the loss of life and flood-related property damage by providing emergency managers and the public with more timely, detailed, and accurate information. The initial system focuses on the Tar River Basin with the intention of transferring the design to other river basins in North Carolina. In addition, given the roles of the National Weather Service and the US Geological Survey, the design and application could be adapted to river basins elsewhere in the nation.