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CPRA and GOSEP outline hurricane-season readiness: gate tracking, gauges and logistics staging
Summary
CPRA operations and GOSEP presented coastal operational tools — LIMS gate management, HGMS gauge aggregation and the ADCIRC surge guidance system — and described logistics staging and statewide preparedness actions ahead of hurricane season.
Brad Barth, CPRA chief of operations, and Mark Ward, assistant director for emergency management at GOSEP, briefed the board on hurricane-season preparedness tools, training and logistics coordination for state and local levee operators.
Barth described three primary operational systems: LIMS (Levee Information Management System) to track roughly 600 gates across the coast, HGMS (the hurricane gauge-management system) that aggregates gauges from USGS, NOAA, Corps and local partners, and the ASGS (ADCIRC surge guidance system) used to run twice-daily storm scenarios and to model right/left/consensus tracks. “When it gets into evacuation and those types of things, that's where the state really relies on National Weather Service and the local authorities for those decision making tools,” Barth said. He emphasized the ASGS output helps local levee districts time gate closures and pump operations.
Barth also summarized off-season preparedness: coordination on emergency operation plans, inventories of sandbags and HESCO baskets, and annual exercises such as gate and pump station tests (he cited Plaquemines Parish and the Western Closure Complex gate exercises). He said CPRA serves as the ESF‑3 function for GOSEP during events, supporting levee operations and logistics and helping manage WebEOC orders for dewatering support.
Ward reviewed GOSEP’s pre-season forecast context and logistics work. Citing NOAA and other forecasts, he described expectations of an above-normal Atlantic season and noted sea-surface temperatures in the Gulf that can accelerate storm strengthening. “We're preparing, for us to be as self sufficient as possible,” Ward said, describing new transportation and warehouse contracts, points of distribution planning, and a logistical staging area for generator and pump deployments. He said the state tested the staging-area approach during Tropical Storm Francine and will continue to scale it.
Both presenters stressed interagency coordination, exercises held since April, and the importance of shared situational awareness via dashboards. The board praised the preparatory work and emphasized ongoing outreach to parishes and levee districts.
Ending: CPRA and GOSEP said they will continue regular regional outreach and refine the “common operating picture” dashboard ahead of the June–November hurricane season.
