BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division is preparing for potential adverse 
weather impacts to the Northeast caused by Tropical Depression Ida.
During the previous week, Tropical Storm Henri brought as much as 5-10 inches of rainfall to areas of the Northeast, some of which were already saturated from earlier storms. With Ida set to hit the Northeast Wednesday and Thursday, the area could see up to another six inches of precipitation. Rivers in areas of high saturation are USACE’s primary concern because this added rain could cause them to enter moderate-to-major flood stages.
“Our greatest strength is our cadre of dedicated professionals who ensure the integrity and safety of USACE projects,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Tickner, North Atlantic Division commanding general. “As Ida tracks its way to the Northeast, we are continually monitoring and ready, along with our regional and community partners, to respond to the storm’s potential adverse effects.”
The division, which spans 14 Northeastern U.S. states managed locally by five districts, is readying for potential effects of Tropical Depression Ida by preparing rapid flood inundation mapping specific to the storm’s estimated parameters. By remotely monitoring physical stream gauges, team members can observe depth levels in real time and couple that data with stage forecasts from the National Weather Service. These measures will aid in predicting where to guide potentially needed resources. The division, via its districts, also maintains contact with its local flood risk management project sponsors to ensure critical components at project sites are in working order.
In addition to these tasks, the division ensures stockpiles of flood-fighting supplies, such as sandbags and sandbag loading machines, are ready at its Philadelphia District warehouse for deployment to municipalities along the East Coast, if requested. Division teams are also ready to perform engineering support functions, like debris removal and construction of temporary housing and facilities for critical public services. Additionally, it maintains two deployable tactical operations system vehicles that can be used as mobile command centers for any type of emergency event.
According to the National Weather Service’s current forecast, several river basins within the North Atlantic Division’s area of responsibility are listed for monitoring due to greatest projected rainfall: Delaware, Passaic, Potomac, Susquehanna, and Raritan. Most rivers in the Northeast, though, are currently at low stages and can accept some rainfall without exceeding their banks. Additionally, USACE flood control dams in the Northeast have a significant amount of storage capacity available for temporarily storing rainfall, which can then be released when the river stages have lowered.
Media inquiries or interview requests may be directed to North Atlantic Division Public Affairs at cenad-pao@usace.army.mil or 347-370-4548.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division is a robust team executing the diverse missions of the Army Corps throughout 14 states in the Northeast as well as throughout Europe, Africa and anywhere in the world where it is needed. Missions are executed through six district offices, located in Concord, Massachusetts; New York City; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; and Wiesbaden, Germany. Headquartered at Fort Hamilton, in Brooklyn, New York, the division provides engineering, construction, project management and contracting services to plan, design, build, operate and maintain projects to support the military, protect America's water resources, and restore and enhance the environment. The work includes projects for international, federal, state, and local governments and agencies.