NOAA Installs Sensors at Port Everglades

In June, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) developed and installed an advanced sensor device for the Port Everglades to monitor real-time tides, currents, water levels and other meteorlogical information.

The newly installed Port Everglades Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®) is available on the port’s website at porteverglades.net (top of the homepage under Tides & Currents) or via phone at 866-213-5269.

“This equipment is collecting data about our natural resources that we can apply to preparations for storms, climate changes and sea level rise,” said Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca.

Broward County’s Environmental Planning & Community Resilience Division co-sponsored the PORTS device, and the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) provided a grant to offset a portion of the equipment installation cost.

The installation includes a Micro-Wave water level sensor (MWWL) that is a non-contact highly accurate sensor used to measure distance and can be used to monitor long-term sea level changes. The back-up water level sensor is a pressure-based sensor that measures water-level. The meteorological station has been located on the roof of the port’s harbormaster tower and is outfitted with primary back-up wind sensors that provide wind speed and direction.