One student researcher at the Conrad Blucher Institute in Corpus Christi is working on a solution that could help residents prepare for the next big flood before it even begins.
Felix Fuentes, an undergraduate atmospheric science and computer science major and researcher has spent the past year developing a machine learning model that can detect compound flooding events. Floods specifically caused by a combination of factors like heavy rainfall and high tides, along Oso Creek.
“Compound flooding is usually when there are multiple factors affecting the water level of a river or any body of water,” Fuentes said. “In specific to Oso Creek, it’s precipitation and tidal stages from the bays.”
Student researcher at Conrad Blucher Institute uses AI to forecast flood risk along Oso Creek
His model pulls real-time data from a survey sensor along the creek and compares it to predicted values generated by the algorithm. The tool’s early forecasts have been promising, capable of predicting a flood event at least six hours before it occurs. Fuentes said he wants to increase that window…