Research project will use AI to predict flooding in Charleston County

CHARLESTON CO., S.C. (WCBD) – Artificial Intelligence is the new normal in 2024, but can it be used to get ahead of flooding in Charleston County?

A new research project conducted by Georgia Tech will answer that question.

“In these severe weather events, obviously, getting around some of the flood prone areas can be difficult so, if we know where the water is going to be, when it’s going to be there, we’ll be able to respond in a more timely fashion,” said Shawn Smetana with Charleston County’s Innovation Department.

The research team from the university is putting AI’s ability to improve flood resilience in Charleston County and Chatham County, GA to the test.

According to the county’s Finance Committee agenda for Thursday, a digital twin-reinforced emergency infrastructure system will use AI and GIS analytics to predict flood impacts.

“The goal for the research group is to provide data sets, platforms, tools that we can use to kind of predict where the flooding is going to happen and help our public safety agencies reposition vehicles in those events so they can provide the best service they can to our citizens,” Smetana told News 2.

Kimberly Winn is the Deputy Chief of Operations for Charleston County EMS. She said they try to strategically place medic units during highwater events, but they often rely on data from past experiences to do this.

She said the new system will help them to plan ahead, and in turn, will lead to other benefits.

“Obviously getting to individuals that contact 911 a little quicker. You know, we’re just as prone to roadway issues just like the community is. So, us being able to access hospitals and being able to gain access to patients is imperative,” Winn shared.

County officials said discussions about taking part in the research program began earlier this year. On Thursday, the Finance Committee will vote on accepting a $10,000 grant to pay for the county’s participation in the project.

“The total timeline is about a year. There will be a testing process. If the testing goes well, this hopes to be something we can look to use fall late next year and it’s going to be a great benefit for the public safety agencies as well as our citizens,” Smetana added.

If the Finance Committee approves the grant acceptance, it will then go to full council for approval at their next meeting.