Will highways be closed due to rain?
2 Answers
Under normal rainy conditions, highways are not closed unless there is extreme weather such as heavy rain or dense fog. Highways are typically temporarily closed to prevent accidents in such cases. Highways are only closed in the event of natural disasters, severe weather conditions like strong winds, typhoons, or heavy snow, or serious multi-vehicle accidents. Below are some precautions for driving on highways during rainy weather: Ensure visibility: Before starting the car, the driver should ensure good visibility. The rearview mirrors can easily get wet in the rain, which may blur the driver's vision. It is essential to wipe the mirrors dry so that the driver can clearly observe the movement of vehicles behind and react quickly. Check vehicle brakes: Before driving, the vehicle's brakes should be checked promptly to prevent accidents caused by brake failure due to water ingress. Avoid sudden braking when encountering water: Reduce speed when driving through puddles to avoid splashing water on the windshield, which can blur the driver's vision. Do not brake suddenly to avoid water on the highway, and ensure the vehicle's direction of movement does not change significantly.
Whether highways are closed on rainy days isn't as simple as judging by light or heavy rain. From my decade-plus driving experience, I've observed that highways usually remain open during light rain—the road surface gets slightly slippery but it's manageable. However, if heavy rain causes waterlogging or mountain areas experience flash floods, traffic authorities may temporarily close highway entrances. For instance, I recall driving to another city during a torrential downpour last year when my navigation app alerted me that the highway ahead was closed because the water depth exceeded safety standards and could submerge vehicles. In such cases, you'll need to detour via national roads or wait it out. I recommend checking real-time traffic updates before trips using apps like Amap, which provides early warnings. Also, pay attention to weather alerts and traffic management notices—safety should always come first; never risk driving through just to save time.
