Radar Data Application on Thunderstorm Alerts for Railway Operation

Severe local thunderstorms often cause intense rainfall, strong wind gusts, and lightning in Taiwan area. With complex terrain over the island, heavy rainfall can lead to local flooding, trigger mountainous muddy flows that impact traffic safety. Effective severe weather warning systems are essential to mitigate these risks, especially for critical infrastructure like railways in Taiwan. The Central Weather Administration issued “severe thunderstorm real-time messages” when observed or forecasted conditions meet the following criteria: radar echoes above 55 dBZ, lightning frequency exceeding 5 times per minute, and 60-minute accumulated rainfall exceeding 40 mm. These warnings are updated based on the life cycle of thunderstorms and are distinguished by different identifiers for each event. In this study, statistical analysis of these messages includes spatial and temporal distribution, and the rainfall intensity and evolution are validated for very-short-term forecasting. Since 2024, the group has collaborated with Taiwan Railway Company to provide customized meteorological information and consulting services to assist in coping with meteorological disasters. A key component of this collaboration is developing and implementing targeted severe thunderstorm warnings. Based on the “severe thunderstorm real-time messages”, the affected operating sections of Taiwan Railway are derived, generating relevant warning icons and text information. These products have been disseminated through LINE app, aiming to prompt alert on-duty personnel to the conditions of railway sections affected by thunderstorms. Ongoing works include automating the processing of thunderstorm warnings and integrating them with rainfall estimation information in key monitoring areas. This will improve the timelines and applicability of early warnings, enhancing Taiwan Railway's disaster response capabilities and ensuring railway transportation safety.