Here's a one-stop shop for background information on how research at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) helps society understand and address the coastal impacts of hurricanes and nor'easters. During storm events, we also provide up-to-the-minute data streams, videos, and photos.

Tidewatch

Monitor, visualize, and predict the magnitude and impacts of coastal flooding  at 10 stations in lower Chesapeake Bay in near real time. View data from notable past storms. 

Web Cams

View water levels in real-time in the VIMS Boat Basin. View time-lapse movies from past storms:
November 2009 nor'easter | Hurricane Isabel

VECOS

The Virginia Estuarine and Coastal Observing System (VECOS) at VIMS operates a suite of buoys that record wind speed, wave height, and current velocity for various locations throughout Chesapeake Bay. VECOS stations at Sweet Hall Marsh and Taskinas Creek provide real-time data through the National Estuarine Research Reserve data system.

Storm Surge and Sea-Level Rise

The long-term rise in sea level in the Chesapeake Bay region increases the probability of coastal flooding from future storms. Visit our Initiative for Coastal Climate Change Research to learn more. Read Planning for Coastal Sea-Level Rise by Drs. John Boon, Harry Wang, and Jian Shen.

Tide Charts

Storms that make landfall at or near the time of the astronomical high tide produce the higest storm tides. View Tide Charts for various locations in Chesapeake Bay.

VIMS YouTube Direct

The VIMS YouTube Direct™ page allows you to upload your storm-related videos directly to the VIMS website, allowing us to provide a central video clearinghouse of events affecting Chesapeake Bay. Remember, safety is first. Never put yourself in harm's way in order to capture storm footage or photos.

VIMS Flickr Page

Post your storm photos to the VIMS Flickr page.

External Links

NOAA Extratropical Storm Surge Prediction

National Ocean Service Water Level Observation Network