Open AccessThe economic and environmental benefits of weather forecasts for salting operations in Devon
Author(s) -
Ackerman J A
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
meteorological applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1469-8080
pISSN - 1350-4827
DOI - 10.1002/met.5060010203
Subject(s) - environmental science , meteorology , service (business) , control (management) , nowcasting , computer science , climatology , business , geography , marketing , artificial intelligence , geology
This paper sets out to show that even with a winter climate which is relatively mild, compared with conditions experienced by some European countries, Devon can save money and minimise the effect on the environment by employing sophisticated technology together with a forecast aimed specifically at road‐surface conditions. In Devon, on many nights during the winter, the forecast minimum road temperatures hover around freezing and therefore the decision to salt is not straightforward. A system has been developed in Devon which combines use of the forecast with sensor, radar and satellite data, thermal maps and a Control and Information Room which is manned 24 hours a day. Staff in the control room monitor road conditions so that salting operations can be properly timed or cancelled if conditions are ‐warmer than expected. The system has been successful in realising both economic and environmental benefits to Devon and has provided an effective and efficient service to the public in the county.