The National Weather Service has placed a tidal gauge at Smithfield Station in hopes of gathering a more accurate measurement during flooding.

The NWS has maintained a gauge at Swells Point in Norfolk since the early 1900s and one at Jamestown on the Peninsula for the past decade, but has until now lacked a monitor at the Pagan River.

“The more data the better,” said Larry Brown, a meteorologist with the NWS Wakefield station.

Randy Pack, who co-owns the Smithfield Station restaurant, hotel and marina with his brother, Brian, said the brothers recently granted the NWS permission to install the gauge.

One advantage, Pack said, is the gauge will provide real-time information. South Church Street, where Smithfield Station is located, frequently floods during severe rainstorms.