High-tech sensors deployed to help combat Chicago flooding issues

CHICAGO (WGN) — With flash-flood thunderstorms and flooded basements happening all too often these days, a network of smart sensors across Chicago aims to give residents advance warning.  

The high-tech sensors, which will be installed under flood-prone viaducts and low-lying areas across Chicago, are designed to give residents, businesses, and first responders real-time information when minutes count.

“The once-in-a-hundred-year floods are like once or twice a year now,” said 38th Ward Ald. Nicholas Sposato.

Flooded streets and basements are the result of stormwater runoff with nowhere to go.

“Two inches of rain in two hours, which happens about every five years, our sewer system gets overwhelmed,” said Andy Brady, market president with Great Lakes Verizon.

In the West Loop on Monday, Hyfi CEO Brandon Wong spoke about the challenges of urban flooding. He added that of the new technology being installed across Chicago, 10 of the first 50 will be piloted in the city.

For more information, visit https://www.hyfi.io/flooding

“The sensor itself tracks water levels in real time, connects over Verizon‘s network to all the other sensors, so then, it could show where the flooding is occurring at any point,” Wong said.

Verizon is teaming with Hy Fi and Chicago’s non-profit Center for Neighborhood Technology, among others, to alert first responders and residents before things get out of hand.

“Our most vulnerable communities are even more vulnerable because they’re not at the table and because they’re not there getting the resources they need and deserve,” said Nina Idemudia with the Center for Neighborhood Technology.

No cost so far to the City of Chicago, Verizon says, which signed a memorandum of understanding. The monitors can forecast rising floodwaters, warning people while there’s time to save property.

Verizon says those interested don’t have to be customers to sign up for alerts.