Frost and snowfall prediction system

Keeping roads in a usable condition year-round is an important task for the Nagaoka National Highway Work Office of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, since its management area includes Yuzawa Distinct, which receives some heaviest snowfalls in the world and is a popular tourist spot attracting ten million visitors annually. The Office therefore has introduced a high-accuracy snowfall prediction system. In a test conducted in the management area of the Office, this new system correctly predicted twelve more road surface freezing events than the conventional system did. This new high-accuracy prediction system enables the timely application of thawing agent on the road surface and reduces traffic congestion and accidents, reducing time and drive losses of JPY 10million each winter season. The snowfall information is provided to snow removal organizations via the Internet, to allow them to take swift and proper actions.

In addition, the weather and road surface information is provided to general users via the Web site "Snowroad Information"and mobile phones with Internet access to help them to reach their destinations safely.