Modeling and real time flash flood forecasting in a Mediterranean basin

During the last years there has been a digital data information revolution in hydrologic-hydraulic modeling through the fast processing of remote sensing techniques and their results distribution, particularly the airborne laser altimetry or LIDAR and its associated surface models. While Geographical Information Systems services and computers are ready to store and deal with those amounts of data, there are several remaining questions about how to use or upgrade mathematical predictive models for flood prevention. The author experience for joining and exploiting those results is explained in the context of a real time flood forecasting system focused on flash flood events located in Southern Spain. Other operational issues related to the introduction of uncertainty in models, global warming threats and future strategies or policies are also commented.