Floods and storms can have devastating effects on homes and communities, with climate change continuing to present extreme and dangerous weather.
New artificial intelligence (AI) technology is being developed as part of the Flood and Storm Intelligence Sensing project, which is part of the NSW Government’s efforts to protect communities during severe weather events. The world-first initiative uses cutting edge technology (AI and the mobile phone network) to predict the expected impacts of flooding on communities.
These innovative new tools will support the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) in keeping people safe, and can make a huge difference when it comes to saving lives and protecting homes.
The Flood and Storm Intelligence Sensing project is funded through Transport for NSW’s Smart Places Acceleration Program, which has been funded by the Digital Restart Fund.
How does Flood and Storm Intelligence Sensing work?
Real-time weather information is combined with historical Bureau of Meteorology data and flood information, with a 4D visualisation made possible through the NSW Spatial Digital Twin (SDT) to demonstrate changes to the landscape and built environment.
In addition to rainfall and water levels, other real-time environmental data including wind and landslide information can be combined with historical flood information and other data to better predict the risk of floods and storms to communities.
In this trial, researchers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have partnered with NSW SES and TPG Telecom to develop and test network sensing technology, extracting localised weather information including rainfall, water levels and river flows via signals transmitted on the 5G network.
“Real-time data for monitoring storm and flood activities across NSW will allow the NSW SES to plan, prepare and respond more quickly, to generate warnings informing the community of any potential risks,” says Carlene York, NSW SES Commissioner.
How will the technology impact emergency services?
Although the technology is still in development, it’s potentially transformative for emergency services. It can predict how floods might impact communities and vital infrastructure such as roads and transport.
This could allow for quick sharing of public warnings and essential emergency information through targeted messaging and alerts from the NSW SES. This could help first responders to make improved data-driven decisions and save time on analysis.
When will Flood and Storm Intelligence Sensing be in use?
Testing of the technology has begun along Sydney’s Parramatta and Georges Rivers, and will continue as the centre project of the new TPG-UTS Network Sensing Lab. "This landmark partnership between UTS, TPG Telecom, NSW SES and the NSW Government has the potential to place NSW and Australia at the forefront of how new telecommunications technologies can help in addressing climate challenges and saving lives," says Andrew Parfitt, UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor.
This project makes NSW the first government in the world to embrace 5G sensing, setting a precedent for innovation in Australia and the world. Given the significant risks posed by flooding and storms to public safety, the importance of this technology will only grow over time.
Learn more about the Digital Restart Fund.