New York State Launches FloodSafe Program to Enhance Neighborhood Flood Prediction

Rochester, NY, September 21, 2026 —

New York State has initiated the FloodSafe New York program, a new collaborative effort designed to improve the prediction of neighborhood flooding events. This program is a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The primary objective of FloodSafe New York is to enhance the state’s existing streamgage network. Streamgages are instruments that measure the flow and water level of rivers and streams. By expanding and modernizing this network, the state aims to collect more precise and timely data on water conditions across New York.

This initiative will provide local governments with access to real-time water data. This information is crucial for officials to anticipate potential flooding situations at a neighborhood level, allowing for earlier warnings and more effective preparation and response efforts. The enhanced data is expected to aid in mitigating the impact of floods on communities.

The specifics regarding the timeline for the network enhancement, the number of new streamgages to be installed, or the exact geographic areas of focus were not detailed in the initial announcement. The contractor’s name or names for any part of this project were also not provided.

The FloodSafe New York program represents a strategic investment in the state’s infrastructure for disaster preparedness, leveraging scientific collaboration to address the growing challenges posed by changing weather patterns and their effect on water bodies throughout New York.

Story summarized from the original created by Hunter Wright on www.whec.com, see more information here.