Selection of Meteorological Monitoring Equipment for Highways and Its Functions

In the field of meteorology, severe weather refers to those disastrous weather conditions that break out suddenly, move rapidly, are intense in strength and extremely destructive. Thunderstorm gales, hail, tornadoes, local heavy rainfall, blizzards and the like all fall into this category. The meteorological conditions on expressways have a direct impact on the highway transportation system. Meteorological situations such as rain, fog, haze, ice, snow and wind can interfere with the timeliness of transportation. In particular, phenomena like patchy fog and black ice are the meteorological factors that lead to many traffic accidents. Therefore, in order to achieve all-weather traffic on expressways, it is quite necessary to construct a meteorological monitoring and warning system.

For different types of meteorological factors, different meteorological monitoring devices should be selected. Currently, expressway meteorological monitoring is generally able to detect only when meteorological situations occur. For example, a visibility detector is installed on sections of the road that are prone to fogging, and the presence of fog can be detected once it forms; a wind sensor is installed on a cross-sea bridge, and when the wind blows, the wind force and speed can be sensed. Once the wind force exceeds level 8, corresponding management measures can be implemented.

Regarding the selection of meteorological monitoring devices, it needs to be determined according to different types of meteorological factors. For instance, if the icing situation on the road surface in winter is to be monitored, a road surface sensor needs to be installed. If the early warning of road surface icing is also to be achieved, a multi-element meteorological station should be added; if it is for the monitoring of patchy fog, a visibility meter should be installed. If the function of patchy fog early warning is to be achieved, a multi-element meteorological station and a visibility lidar should be added.