Tropical Depression Ivan PA Flooding Aerial Imagery Project
On September 18 and 19, the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was inundated by Tropical Depression Ivan, or Ivan the Terrible as it’s been called. Incredible damage across 56 counties was primarily caused by flooding along streams and rivers, although there were also numerous small tornadoes and other severe weather byproducts. More than six inches of rain fell across different parts of the state, with more than nine inches in some areas.
To document the damages and impact of flooding along the major river corridors of the Commonwealth, PEMA authorized aerial photography missions for the 3 Rivers in Pittsburgh as well as Lake Raystown and the Juniata River, and the complete Susquehanna River basin. These flights were flown on Sunday, September 19 and Monday, September 20, 2004. The following GIS web application can be used to view this aerial photography resource.
The imagery is important for several reasons: 1) to document where the flooding boundaries were and to identify floodplain locations of the major river basins; 2) to assist in recovery and document flooded structures, infrastructure, and farmland; 3) to help us to understand and model expected results from the next major flood event in the Commonwealth.
Flooding is the #1 hazard in Pennsylvania, as identified in PEMA’s All Hazards Mitigation Plan. Understanding and documenting the impact of Tropical Depression Ivan now will help us in planning and mitigating risks to the Commonwealth from future storms and natural disasters. To view the PEMA Flooding website, go to www.PAFlooding.state.pa.us
To use the application and view the aerial photography from Tropical Depression Ivan, click the "View the Tropical Depression Ivan Imagery" link below.
View the Tropical Depression Ivan Imagery