Abstract. An early warning system for flood prediction based on
precipitation forecast is presented. The system uses rainfall forecast
provided by MeteoGalicia in combination with a hydrologic (Hydrologic Modeling System, HEC-HMS) and a
hydraulic (Iber+) model. The upper reach of the Miño River and the
city of Lugo (NW Spain) are used as a study area. Starting from rainfall
forecast, HEC-HMS calculates the streamflow and Iber+ is automatically
executed for some previously defined risk areas when a certain threshold is
exceeded. The analysis based on historical extreme events shows that the
system can provide accurate results in less than 1 h for a forecast
horizon of 3 d and report an alert situation to decision makers.
Early warning systems have become an essential tool to mitigate the impact of river floods, whose frequency and magnitude have increased during the last few decades as a consequence of climate change. In this context, the Miño River Flood Alert System (MIDAS) early warning system has been developed for the Miño River (Galicia, NW Spain), whose flood events have historically caused severe damage in urban areas and are expected to increase in intensity in the next decades. MIDAS is integrated by a hydrologic (HEC-HMS) and a hydraulic (Iber+) model using precipitation forecast as input data. The system runs automatically and is governed by a set of Python scripts. When any hazard is detected, an alert is issued by the system, including detailed hazards maps, to help decision makers to take precise and effective mitigation measures. Statistical analysis supports the accuracy of hydrologic and hydraulic modules implemented to forecast river flow and flooded critical areas during the analyzed period of time, including some of the most extreme events registered in the Miño River. In fact, MIDAS has proven to be capable of predicting most of the alert situations occurred during the study period, showing its capability to anticipate risk situations.
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