Residents Asked To Help Test New Flood Monitoring System At Public Meeting

“This site will help users monitor road closures due to high water in Hays County and ultimately aid residents in making better commuting decisions and protecting their families…” 

Hays County Courthouse – The Hays County Office of Emergency Services is setting up a new Flood Monitoring System (FMS) for Hays County and is inviting citizens to join them at a public meeting on Thursday, October 12, to learn more about the system, test the beta version and provide valuable feedback to OES about its functionality.

The FMS is an interactive web-based map that includes precipitation monitors, low-water crossing monitors, five Natural Resource Conservation Service detention basins near San Marcos, stream gages, cameras, and weather radar. The monitors are located throughout the county at low-water crossings. The FMS also incorporates USGS stream gages.

“This site will help users monitor road closures due to high water in Hays County and ultimately aid residents in making better commuting decisions and protecting their families,” Justin McInnis, Hays County Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator said. “That’s why public input is so important – we want to make sure the user experience is a good one.”

The first phase of the system is funded through a $500,000 matching TWDB grant, with Hays County expected to spend approximately $350,000 for additional sensors in FY 2018.

This is the second of three planned public meetings on the new system. It will be held at the Kyle Fire Station, 201 W. Moore St., Kyle, 78640, from 6-7 p.m. on October 12. For more information, contact OES Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator Justin McInnis at 512-393-7300 or Justin.mcinnis@co.hays.tx.us.