Analysis of Traffic Conditions in Winter using Precipitation Intensity measured by Weather Radar

Abstract

Heavy winter snowfall in central Sapporo has a significant impact on road traffic. XRAIN precipitation intensity can be used as a method to grasp snowfall conditions in real time and on an area-wide basis. On the other hand, MFD can represent changes in traffic conditions. In the present study, we analyze the relationship between XRAIN precipitation intensity and traffic conditions expressed by MFD in central Sapporo. First, the effectiveness of XRAIN precipitation intensity as a method to determine snowfall on the ground was verified by comparing XRAIN precipitation intensity with snowfall observed on the ground, and a strong correlation was found between the two. Next, the effect of XRAIN precipitation intensity on the shape of the MFD was analyzed, and it was found that hysteresis loops were generated in the MFD by XRAIN precipitation intensity, where congestion occurred. the results suggest the possibility of estimating traffic conditions from XRAIN precipitation intensity.