A new state-of-the-art flood forecast centre that will accommodate more forecasters and flood operators to handle the complexity of flood forecasting and a changing climate will be ready for the spring 2016 flood season and beyond.
“The establishment of a permanent flood forecasting centre was one of the recommendations made by the 2011 Flood Review Task Force. This new centre will be equipped with modern audio-visual communication technology so flood operators and forecasters can communicate more effectively with various outside jurisdictions,” said Premier Greg Selinger. “It will also provide forecasters real-time observation of a number of weather and hydrometric stations including satellite observation of snow coverage and storms.”
The new centre features a flood operations centre data room equipped with powerful computers that can rapidly analyze multiple sources of large data groups, the premier said. The data room is also equipped with technologically advanced power-saving computers that could continue to work during power outages and can support a 24-hour-flood response operation as required, he added.
The 15,467-sq.-ft. Hydrologic Forecast Centre also accommodates two other related working groups, Water Management Planning and Engineering and Construction.
“A new flood forecasting centre, bringing together our flood forecasting expertise in a technically advanced environment, is a critical element in the ongoing challenges we face as a province when nature sends record floods our way,” Premier Selinger said.
