In 2005, Hydro-Logic installed a flood warning system in Jedburgh and Galashiels in the Scottish Borders.  Local flooding was a major problem where trash screens and grilles guarding drainage channel entrances were becoming blocked with debris during periods of heavy rain.

The northwest area of Selkirk has suffered a number of floods in the last three years due to exceptionally heavy thunderstorms.  At a particular site, the Long Philip Burn, the stream is so short that there is little time between the rise in water levels before a flood develops.

In May of 2006 Scottish Border Councils (SBC) approached Hydro-Logic to add a tipping bucket rain gauge to their network as part of their early warning plan for part of the town of Selkirk.

The solution is to install a telemetred tipping bucket rain gauge to measure the intensity of rainfall.  An Isodaq Hawk XT outstation transmits an alarm message to the IDQTel system based in SBC’s 24-hour call centre (Bordercare).  This system operates by a GSM modem connected to the Hawk XT outstation.

Early monitoring means vulnerable areas can be inspected on receipt of the warning message delivered to Bordercare.  If riverbank locations are at risk of overtopping the banks, Emergency Planning Officers (using the raingauge information) can provide residents registered in the flood warning group of this flood-prone area with an early warning by automated phone messages, so that they can protect themselves and their property.

Read this feature on BBC news. . .