Delaware Storm Surge Photo Initiative

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About Delaware Storm Surge Photo Initiative

WHAT IS THE STORM SURGE PHOTO INITIATIVE?

Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides. This rise in water level can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas particularly when storm surge coincides with normal high tide. Storm surge associated with a low pressure weather system - typically tropical storms, hurricanes, or nor'easters occurring along the coast of Delaware could provide a preview of what residents might experience in the future as a result of coastal hazards from storms, winds and rising sea levels. We invite you to participate in the “Delaware Storm Surge” photo initiative. This is the first year for the initiative in Delaware. Its objectives are to:

1. Identify and visually catalog coastal areas currently vulnerable to storm surge and coastal hazards; and
2. Gather graphics and pictures, so we can promote awareness of the potential impacts of coastal hazards on the state to support mitigation and adaptation.

This initiative is part of the sea level rise outreach and education campaign by the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve and DNREC's Coastal Programs Office.


HOW TO PARTICIPATE

You are invited to share photographs of areas that are known to flood and / or areas where the high water levels can be gauged against sea walls, jetties, bridge supports, dikes, buildings or other coastal infrastructure around the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, the Delaware ocean front and tidal tributaries. Members of the public who photograph these high tide events along beaches, roads, parks and estuaries are invited to submit their images to this Flickr site maintained by the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR). DNERR and its partners are interested in using the images to document the coastal impacts Delaware residents are likely to face with increasing frequency as sea level continues to rise. "Before and after" pictures showing average water levels and the extreme high water levels for the same location will be particularly useful.

Locations photographed should focus on the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and ocean front and include spots throughout the state. Delaware’s key areas to capture the storm surge are in Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware City, Port Penn, Woodland Beach, Leipsic, Port Mahon, Little Creek, Kitts Hummock, Bowers Beach, Slaughter Beach, Broadkill Beach, Lewes, Rehoboth, Inland Bay Communities, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island.

Submission details: Please include your contact information and geographically reference the photos with specific locations (GPS position, if possible), orientation, date and time of day. Consider what kind of licensing to add to your photos. We suggest the Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. This license will allow us to feature your photography in presentations, websites, publications, etc.

Be sure to read and agree to our Group Rules


WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE PICTURES?

Storm surge associated with high-tide events will vary by location around the state, but generally speaking, the tides to be concerned about during Hurricane Irene are the Saturday PM (@7pm) and Sunday AM (@8AM) tides. Extreme caution must be used when taking photographs during storm conditions or/and high water events. Follow all emergency advisories issued. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK. NOAA provides detailed information on tide heights and timing, although these can vary significantly depending on weather conditions. Visit NOAA’s tide prediction website for complete information on upcoming high-tide events around the state. The National Weather Service provides local weather conditions.


HOW WILL THE PHOTOS BE USED?

The photographs and associated information will be used to create a map that will catalog coastal areas that are currently affected by extreme water levels. Photos may be used in presentations, websites and publications on coastal hazard impacts, coastal initiatives and sea level rise planning.


COASTAL HAZARDS, STORM SURGE, TIDAL FLOODING AND SEA LEVEL RISE

Understanding the future impacts from coastal hazards, storm surge, and sea level rise and creating tools and information to assist local governments and Delawareans is a priority for federal and state partners as well as local partners. For additional information on Delaware Sea Level Rise impacts, preparation, and adaptation please see www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/Pages/SeaLevelRiseAdaptati...


FOR MORE INFORMATION

E-mail Kelly Valencik, Coastal Training Program Coordinator at kelly.valencik@state.de.us

Find Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve on the web at www.dnerr.org

http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/DNERR