Design of a Tool to Alert Motorists About the Conditions of Flooded Roads

This article describes the design of an automatic Internet of Things (IoT) alert and real-time measurement of the level of water accumulated by floods. A flood can obstruct major roads; as is the case in Mexico City, where every year during the rainy season floods cause road chaos, paralyze public and private transport and damage material resources. The proposed sensor system is complemented by an application for mobile devices, through which users can be notified about the water levels on the roads, to avoid traveling through risk areas. The application will create a synergy between the different users, by notifying the types of vehicles (cars, vans or buses) that, depending on their height, are able to pass through the flooded area, preventing said vehicles from suffering mechanical damage, being partially immersed or dragged by the current. On the other hand, users may decide to use their vehicle to travel or choose another transport system to reach their destination. These measures will help to reduce the saturation of roads and allow emergency vehicles such as ambulances to reach their destination faster.