City of Fort Worth honored for excellence in hydrologic warning system upgrades
Fort Worth, Texas – The City of Fort Worth has received national recognition for its outstanding work in modernizing and maintaining its flood warning infrastructure. The National Hydrologic Warning Council (NHWC) presented Fort Worth with the Operational Excellence Award, citing the city’s commitment to public safety and its innovative approach to hydrologic monitoring.
Addressing Flash Flood Risks in a High-Risk Region
Fort Worth is located on the northern edge of “Flash Flood Alley,” a part of Texas known for its dangerous flood potential due to unique terrain and weather conditions. As one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, the city faces the dual challenge of accommodating population growth while mitigating severe weather threats.
The city began addressing flood hazards in 2003 with the installation of its first ALERT flood gauge to monitor low-water crossings. Flashing signals were added to alert drivers in real time when roadways became unsafe. By 2017, the system had expanded to nearly 60 sites throughout the area.
However, aging infrastructure and technical limitations of the original ALERT protocol began to undermine reliability. Frequent radio signal collisions caused false activations and, more critically, missed alerts during actual flooding events.
From Pilot Project to Full-Scale Modernization
To counter these problems, the city launched a pilot program introducing ALERT2 weather stations. This marked the first step in a larger plan to transition the entire network to the ALERT2 standard.
In 2020, Fort Worth began a complete upgrade of its High Water Warning System. Each location was evaluated not only for hardware improvements but also for optimal placement, ease of maintenance, and durability in major floods. Flashing signals were repositioned for greater driver visibility.
Additional safety features were incorporated, such as a specialized station monitoring an automated floating barrier designed to protect the Fort Worth Zoo and a road gate system to block access to dangerous flood zones.
Results That Set a Regional Standard
The NHWC credited the success of the program to the dedication of Fort Worth’s staff, who played an active role in the design, installation, and upkeep of the system. Their involvement has ensured long-term reliability and the ability to adapt to evolving conditions.
Today, the city’s High Water Warning System boasts nearly 100% data transmission reliability. False activations have been eliminated, and the ability to detect and respond to hazardous flooding has been significantly improved.
According to the NHWC, “Thanks to the City’s proactive leadership and continued stewardship, this modernized network provides the robust capabilities needed to safeguard lives and represents an exceptional model for hydrologic warning systems.”
With its upgraded system, Fort Worth now serves as a leading example for other communities seeking to improve their flood safety infrastructure. The award underscores the city’s role not only as a steward of public safety but also as an innovator in the field of hydrologic warning technology.
