New Rain and River Gauge for Covington Co.
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A new gauge that is going to help the Covington County Emergency Management Association was announced Monday, February 22.
The gauge is part of the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority’s (CPYRWMA) River-Basin Flood Warning System. The system includes 21 other gauges spread cross eight Southeast Alabama counties.
The gauge uses a radar system to measure rainfall and river levels, meaning EMA personnel do not have to go out and physically measure the water. That saves time, money, energy and can be safer during severe weather situations. Covington County EMA director Susan Harris is excited to bring in the new technology.
“Emergency data is very important. And it’s limited. And the more that we can get, the more that we can prepare the people in Covington County,” she said. “It’s hard to predict, with the rainfalls and different locations statewide. So this information is just able to watch the river levels, and it gives us information step by step so that we’re prepared.”
The gauge is located on Highway 84 in between Opp and Andalusia on the Yellow River Bridge. It will be maintained by Convington County EMA for the State of Alabama. Harris thinks the new gauge will be a huge help with future severe weather.
“The staffing on our agency is very limited,” she said. “Therefore, we can’t go out and get information. This is relayed to an agency which is then distributed to all the EMAs, national weather service, the State EMA.”
The gauge will also increase the CPYRWMA’s flood warning system, and according to Alabama State EMA Director Art Faulkner, potentially save lives across the state.
“Every time that you get an additional one, it just helps make sure that it’s that much more accurate,” Faulkner said. “That you’re putting out accurate and timely information to be able to warn people. And to have even earlier warning.”
This is not the only gauge the CPYRWMA has in Covington County. The other is on Highway 55 South. For more information on the CPYRMA or the flood warning system, click here.
