Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Quickly and Efficiently Documented Destructive Flooding with Aerial Footage

Flooding in Ellensburg, Washington, unexpectedly shut down roads and inundated agricultural fields. Ellensburg's public works director needed a quick way to document the damage before the water receded to inform future mitigation efforts and obtain a proof point for securing mitigation funding. FLO’s team flew to the area to gather aerial footage. We quickly mobilized and deployed our UAS to fly over areas most impacted by seasonal high water. We completed eight flights, capturing unique aerial perspectives of the flooded landscape and GoPro footage of overflowing culverts at major road crossings that added substance to the aerial footage.