Central Region
The Central Region includes seven core states (ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, MO and AR) that do not overlap with any other regions. Seven additional states overlap with neighboring regions (MT, WY, CO, NM, IA, KY and TN), but still primarily align with the Central Region. While sharing some similarities with the Central Region, Texas remains primarily a Gulf Coast Region state and West Virginia aligns more completely with the Southeast Region.
The three largest watersheds in the Nation (Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio Rivers) flow through NOAA Central Region and represent the “inner coast” of the United States. A significant portion of the Nation’s agriculture, particularly wheat and corn, comes from the region. Height Modernization projects are applied to precision agriculture, reducing farming costs and limiting environmental impacts. Additionally, high-impact weather events, like flooding, can cause significant damage in the region, and accurate height information can guide new development or aid emergency planners.
