Extreme weather impacts on transport systems

Abstract

This report summarises the work done in 7 FP project EWENT, its first work package.
\nD1 deliverable introduces a review of extreme weather phenomena and identifies
\ntheir impacts and consequences on European transport system. All modes of transport
\nare covered. Two main methods are used. First, there is an extensive literature
\nreview on extreme weather events and their impacts and consequences. Well over
\n150 scientific and professional references are studied and listed. This is followed by a
\nreview of media reported cases, almost 200 of them. With the help of these two
\nmethods and material they provide, critical threshold values for most relevant weather
\nphenomena that affect different transport modes are listed. The phenomena have
\nimpacts and consequences which result in deterioration in the service level of transportation
\nsystem. A dozen different impact mechanisms are charted and annexed to
\nthis report. Finally, brief summary of results is drawn, including a first-impressiondiscussion
\non strategic implications. Precipitation in all its forms (water, snow, hail)
\nseems to dominate the harmful impacts. Road transport system seems to be the most
\nvulnerable of modes.