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Extreme weather events like heatwaves, hurricanes and snowstorms can severely disrupt traffic systems. Power outages and infrastructure damage from these events can cause traditional traffic signals to fail, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Portable traffic signals provide a dependable, flexible solution to maintain traffic flow and keep the public safe during such emergencies. In this blog, we’ll explore how this traffic control solution is vital for ensuring road safety during adverse weather and for helping restore order once conditions improve.

The Challenges of Extreme Weather

Natural disasters and adverse weather can severely disrupt traffic management systems, and these disruptions go beyond just affecting our streets – they can also endanger lives. For example, hurricanes can knock out power lines, leaving traffic lights out of commission and creating dangerous intersections. Snowstorms can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. These situations underscore the need for traffic control systems that remain reliable despite adverse weather conditions. Portable traffic control systems are essential in these scenarios. They can help guide both emergency responders and the public, reducing the risk of accidents at intersections where traditional signals may be down. Portable traffic signals from North America Traffic (NAT) are specifically designed to withstand extreme weather, including strong winds, heavy rain and intense heat. By ensuring that traffic management continues smoothly during emergencies, these signals help keep roads safer and more functional, even under the most challenging circumstances.

How to Control Natural Disasters with NAT’s Portable Traffic Signals

North America Traffic’s portable traffic signals are designed to handle the toughest weather conditions, ensuring reliable performance in emergencies. All electrical parts are rated to operate at -40 C to +80 C, and our equipment meets the AASHTO wind load standards. Built to last, NAT’s portable traffic signals feature rugged construction that can withstand a wide range of environmental stressors, from strong winds and heavy downpours to freezing temperatures and ice. Let’s look at how these portable traffic control systems perform in various adverse weather conditions:

High Winds and Hurricanes

Hurricanes bring both powerful winds and torrential rains that can knock out regular traffic signals, creating dangerous conditions for drivers. NAT’s portable traffic signals are designed to handle these high winds and keep working, even in severe conditions. They use solar power and battery storage to operate independently all year round. Even in low-light conditions, these signals can run for up to 30 days without needing a charge. This reliability helps emergency responders set up safe and functional intersections quickly, guiding traffic efficiently through disaster zones.

Heavy Snowstorms and Ice

In a snowstorm, road conditions can quickly become dangerous. Reduced visibility and slippery surfaces increase the risk of accidents. Blocked roads also make snow removal more difficult, adding to the list of hazardous conditions. NAT’s Portable traffic signals are essential in these situations. They can be set up quickly and remain effective in severe winter weather, ensuring traffic flow and safety even when fixed signals are down. During snowstorms, maintaining visibility is key. Snow can accumulate and cover road signs and markings, while ice can make roads extremely hazardous. NAT’s portable traffic signals are equipped with bright LED lights that last for up to 100,000 hours, cutting through heavy snow to ensure drivers can see these signals even in whiteout conditions. And because they’re portable, they can be quickly moved to the most needed areas, such as intersections or busy roads that are closed for snow removal. When used with other traffic management tools like temporary barriers and signs, these signals help keep both drivers and emergency responders safe.

Heatwaves

During heatwaves, high temperatures can cause traffic control systems to overheat, leading to malfunctions or even shutdowns. Pavement buckling and broken signals can pose serious risks to both drivers and pedestrians, especially in areas where high temperatures last for days or even weeks. NAT’s portable traffic signals are designed to withstand high temperatures up to 80 C, helping keep intersections safe and operational. Plus, their solar-powered design ensures they continue to operate without needing external power, which is especially important during power outages caused by heat waves.

Flooding and Heavy Rain

Heavy rain and flooding create major road safety risks by reducing visibility and creating slippery surfaces. Flash floods can quickly cover streets with water, leading to road closures and traffic detours. NAT’s portable traffic signals are designed to handle these situations effectively. Their waterproof design allows them to stay operational even during heavy rain, which makes them perfect for areas that often experience rainstorms or floods.

The Role of Portable Traffic Signals in Disaster Recovery

Portable traffic signals are not only important for managing traffic during a natural disaster. They also play a critical role in long-term recovery efforts. After a storm, damage to infrastructure, including permanent traffic lights, can slow down the return to normal traffic. In these situations, portable traffic lights allow local governments and recovery teams to quickly set up working intersections, guiding both public and emergency vehicles through affected areas. For disaster recovery, it’s important to deploy reliable solutions quickly. Highly mobile, easy to set up and adaptable to changing road conditions, NAT’s portable traffic signals check all the boxes. Plus, their solar-powered design allows them to operate independently of the electric grid, which is essential in cases where power may take days or even weeks to restore.

Why NAT’s Portable Traffic Signals are Critical for Emergency Preparedness

With extreme weather events becoming more common, emergency preparedness is a top priority for municipalities across North America. Traditional infrastructure often struggles to handle the stress of natural disasters, but portable traffic signals offer a flexible and reliable alternative. Here’s why North America Traffic’s portable traffic signals are essential for emergency preparedness:

• Quick Setup: North America Traffic’s portable traffic signals can be set up quickly, with many models ready to go in minutes. This reduces downtime during emergencies, which is crucial when power outages or road damage warrant permanent signals unusable.
   
• Durability: Built to endure the harshest conditions, these portable traffic signals keep working during storms, floods and other severe weather, ensuring continuous operation.
   
• Flexibility: Portable traffic signals can be moved and repositioned as needed with minimal downtime, making sure traffic control stays effective even as conditions change.
   
• Cost-Effective: NAT’s portable traffic signals offer a cost-effective solution for managing traffic during emergencies. Municipalities can avoid the expense of extensive repairs or new infrastructure, making portable traffic signals a smart investment for areas prone to disasters.

Improve Emergency Traffic Management With NAT

With weather conditions becoming more unpredictable, the need for robust, flexible traffic control solutions is growing. North America Traffic’s portable traffic signals are designed to handle extreme conditions, helping to restore order and safety on streets during and after adverse weather. Whether it’s a hurricane causing power outages or a snowstorm making roads impassable, these portable traffic signals are essential for keeping our streets safe when traditional systems fail. For more information on how North America Traffic’s portable traffic signals can enhance your emergency traffic management, contact us today.