The U.S. Geological Survey is using sensors to track the damage caused by Hurricane Ida through Louisiana and Mississippi.

Information collected by the sensors will be used by officials at the federal and local level to deliver aid to areas ravaged by the storm. 

“USGS Storm Tide Sensors are specialized scientific instruments used to measure the depth and duration of storm surge during coastal storms. The data these sensors collect before, during and after a storm will help public officials assess storm damage, and improve computer models used to forecast storm surge and coastal change. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and other federal, state and local agencies also use this data to steer relief efforts by pinpointing the areas hardest hit by storm tide flooding,” Jacob Massey, USGS Office of Communications and Publishing, said in a statement. 

The storm surge, which is often the most destructive portion of a hurricane, will likely result in higher than usual water levels leading to dangerous tides, the USGS stated. 

The storm tide sensors have been installed in several locations, including bridges and piers, which will ensure they can collect information about water levels, according to the USGS.

The sensors are protected within steel pipes to prevent them from being damaged or washed away.