🌧️ 1. Rain & Thunderstorms: Power, Visibility, and Water Intrusion
- Power outages caused by lightning or flooding can disable entire corridors.
- Heavy rain can reduce visibility of signal heads or create glare from LED lights.
- Older or poorly sealed signal heads may suffer from water damage or electrical shorting.
City Tip:
Ensure all cabinet enclosures are weatherproofed and elevate them above flood-prone areas.
❄️ 2. Snow & Ice: A Different Set of Challenges
- LED signals do not emit heat like older incandescent bulbs, meaning snow can build up on lenses.
- Ice can cover signal heads, pedestrian buttons, and detection sensors.
- Snow piles may obstruct vehicle detection loops or pedestrian crosswalks.
Driver Tip:
Never assume a green signal is working properly if visibility is poor due to snow buildup.
🌪️ 3. High Winds & Storm Debris
- Strong wind gusts can shake or damage signal poles, especially span-wire setups.
- Debris may strike signal heads or break overhead communication lines.
- Flashing mode may be triggered when storm winds knock out power briefly.
🔌 4. Backup Power Systems
- Many modern traffic signals have battery backup units (BBUs) or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that allow them to keep functioning for hours during an outage.
- Signals may switch to flashing red/yellow mode if running on backup.
🛠️ 5. How Cities Prepare Their Signals for Weather
- Seasonal maintenance checks
- Sealing cabinets and wiring against moisture
- Installing snow hoods or visors on LED heads
- Upgrading intersections with adaptive signal control that responds to weather data
✅ Final Thoughts
Weather can wreak havoc on traffic signals, but cities that plan ahead can reduce service disruptions and improve public safety. Whether it's rain, sleet, or snow, traffic signal infrastructure plays a crucial role in helping drivers and pedestrians stay safe through every season.
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