CERA release for 2021 hurricane season

The CERA Group at Louisiana State University is pleased to announce a release of the CERA storm surge and flood visualization tool for the 2021 hurricane season.

CERA 2021 release

  • NEW: Download capability for time series at specific location as requested by user feedback
  • NEW: Open time series chart through search by coordinates
    If you would like to learn more about these features, please visit this blog entry.

The CERA release also includes the following new features for all models:

  • Vector graphics for a polished look
  • Google Maps background map in black and white, putting emphasis on storm surge information visibility

The following new CERA features are for specific storm surge/flood models:

ADCIRC Surge Guidance System (ASGS):

  • Update of USGS, USACE, NOAA water level stations to reflect latest agency adjustments
  • Download of inundation GeoTiffs for storms as requested by user feedback
  • Gage stations show water levels of the previous storm advisory for comparison with the current storm advisory as requested by user feedback

Extratropical Storm Surge and Tide Operational Forecast System (ESTOFS):

  • CERA visualizes NOAA’s new ESTOFS-Global mesh including water height and wind; additional features will follow

Compound Flood Inundation Guidance System (CFIGS):

  • CFIGS combines influences of precipitation and storm surge/tidal fluctuations developed by CE Hydro, LLC. Results are generated for selected watersheds in Louisiana
  • CFIGS will go operational for the 2021 hurricane season and displayed on the CERA website

New download and search functionality for time series

CERA visualizes time series for water levels, wind, and significant wave height for any location on the map. To use this feature, click on the time series button on the left of the map, then click on the desired location on the map.

CERA’s 2021 release now allows downloading the selected time series as a .json file. The download link is in the top right of the time series chart.

If finding a time series for a specific coordinate point is desired, click on the time series button, then click on the location search button on the left of the map. If you already have a chart open, the coordinate pair is pre-filled in the search box. If you would like to find another place, enter the coordinate as [latitude, longitude]. CERA will open the time series chart automatically.

Location search and download link