Alabama County Gets New Storm Surge Sensors

New storm surge sensors in Mobile County will produce real-time information about water levels that experts say will play a key role in evacuating residents as a hurricane approaches.

It’s the first time the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has deployed the cutting-edge sensors, which will be located above the water on places such as bridges. That should keep them safe from surge during a storm.

Information collected will be available to residents right away on their computers at home, which will help them decide if and when they need to evacuate. The data will also be archived and used to improve computer models for future storms.

The sensors are being paid for with a $600,000 grant from NOAA.