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Transforming Community Resilience with AI-Driven Flood Prediction

The impacts of climate change are felt around the world and extreme weather events are rising at an alarming frequency and intensity. One consequence of these events is flooding, resulting in devastation for our communities. Together, we need to leverage the latest technologies for improved outcomes and resilience. To better equip communities with effective decision support, Stantec in partnership with TECD has integrated TN Plan with Flood Predictor. Trained by more than 30,000 hours of engineered flood modeling, TN Plan and Flood Predictor provides a quicker, more cost-effective solution when compared to traditional modeling. It’s a web-based tool that applies machine learning flood-risk technology while leveraging FEMA’s Risk MAP data to deliver rapid results in near real-time. How does that work? This presentation will dive into the methodology used to create probabilistic pluvial flood predictions and how these predictions better prepare officials in Tennessee to plan and respond to rainfall events, ultimately saving lives. We will also share how integrating Flood Predictor into real communities’ systems strengthens their resiliency efforts against flooding. In Tennessee, insights from Flood Predictor inform planning efforts of flash flooding risks, as well as supporting overall disaster planning, response, and mitigation. Digital technologies can transform our world. And with so many communities lacking the necessary resources to tackle the effects of climate change, proven solutions like Flood Predictor can allow them to analyze regional flood risks without complex hydrology and hydraulic modeling. In the end, it’s the combination of intelligence and technology that moves us all forward.

Susan Marlow is a Senior Principal at Stantec, Consulting located in the Nashville office. Susan has been in the geospatial profession for over 25 years. She was the founder and owner of Smart Data Strategies a geospatial services provider. She is best known in Tennessee for her work on the Tennessee Base Map Program and resilience programs in Tennessee and other parts of the country. Susan is most known for her work in the land records and digital services markets. Susan has been active in many national committees and panels such as Transportation Research Board, National Academy of Sciences and is a past president of MAPPS. In her role with Stantec she is working in the Innovation office and currently supporting their Flood Manager and Flood Predictor products using machine learning and cloud computing.

Katherine Osborne is a principal at Stantec for their Digital Center of Excellence. Her prime emphasis is flood-related solutions. Her background consists of floodplain modeling, management, and resiliency. She has supported the FEMA Risk MAP Program for over 15 years with tasks including project management, assisting with national strategies for engagement, and Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) program support. Katherine’s focus is integrating the latest digital solutions in floodplain management initiatives including public outreach, information management, flood warning, disaster response, emergency management, and mitigation. Her goal is to increase resilience and create ongoing awareness of innovations for communities to achieve better, faster, and cost-efficient results.