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2. Weather observations and forecasts
This section looks at the various meteorological observation and forecasting tools, and more particularly those dedicated to precipitation, a major factor in the genesis of flash floods. In meteorology, we distinguish between different spatial scales: the synoptic scale (several hundred kilometers), which focuses on general atmospheric circulation; the mesoscale (between several kilometers and several hundred kilometers), from which we can track thunderstorms and convective complexes; and the microscale, that of clouds (a few kilometers and below). Observation and forecasting of flash floods tend to fall into the latter two categories.
2.1 Precipitation measurement tools
Observing an intense rainfall episode such as a flash flood is highly complex, since such...
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Weather observations and forecasts
Flow observations and forecasts
Bibliography
Software tools
GRASS, a free Geographic Information System with numerous hydrological tools http://grass.fbk.eu/
Websites
VIGICRUES National flood watch information http://www.vigicrues.gouv.fr/
FFG Flash Flood Guidance maps issued by the US National Weather Service http://www.srh.noaa.gov/rfcshare/ffg.php
OHMCV Observatoire hydrométéorologique...
Events
Plinius, annual conference dedicated to Mediterranean thunderstorms http://www.egu.eu/meetings/conference-series/plinius-topical-conferences.html
Floodrisk, a conference dedicated to flood risk management http://www.floodrisk2012.net/
...Regulations
Directive 2007/60/EC of October 23, 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks
Law no. 2003-699 of July 30, 2003 on the prevention of technological and natural risks and the repair of damage (consolidated version at April 30, 2010).
Environment Code Legislative Part
– L 562-1 to 9: PPR plans
– L 563-3: flood markers...
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