This interactive map shows the real-time potential for flooding and precipitation in relation to the energy infrastructure in the United States.
The map offers a variety of layers such as warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This map allows students to see how the current precipitation forecast could interfere with energy production or delivery.
Students can save and download maps by clicking on the icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
Additional Prerequisites
Layers can be manipulated using the double arrow icon and the layers icon, both of which are located at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
Differentiation
Science classes could discuss which parts of the energy industry could be impacted by extreme precipitation.
Engineering and Earth science classes could list the potential problems associated with increased precipitation (mudslides, contamination, damage to roadways and bridges, etc.).
Other resources on this topic include this article on flooding in Louisiana and this Hot Mess video on how communities can survive climate disasters.
Scientist Notes
This is an interactive map that shows real-time information on the impact of flash flooding, tornado occurrence, and other extreme weather events and their potential for disrupting energy. It is also suitable for anticipatory disaster management and for contingency planning. There is no contradiction in the data layers and classifications of data points in the map. Thus, this resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Science and Engineering
ESS2: Earth’s Systems
HS-ESS2-5 Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-2 Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
Social Studies
Geography
Geography 2 (F2): Students understand geographic aspects of unity and diversity in Maine, the United States, and the world, including Maine Native American communities, by summarizing and interpreting the relationship between geographic features and cultures of Maine Native Americans, and historical and recent immigrant groups in Maine, the United States, and the world.
