Detection of the First Icing Roads in Winter: The Case of Gümüşhane City (Türkiye)

This study aims to assess the risks of ice and snowfall in Gümüşhane city center during the winter months. Icing poses serious risks to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in winter, and understanding and managing this situation is critical for urban safety. The study area covers various neighborhoods and streets within Gümüşhane's city limits in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye. The materials and methods used include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques, field studies, and analysis of meteorological data. We evaluated various parameters such as solar radiation, slope, precipitation, temperature, and elevation using GIS techniques. Field studies identified icing risks in shaded areas, sloping terrain, and congested streets, and recorded coordinate information for precise localization. The study determined that areas with narrow and high-rise buildings, known as "urban canyons," have a particularly high risk of icing. We observed icing more frequently and intensely in these areas due to the inability of sunlight to reach them. The lack of sunlight exacerbated the frequency and intensity of icing in these regions. Additionally, the formation of hidden icing as a result of melting snow and ice in sloping areas was also an important finding. In conclusion, the winter risks identified in this study are critical for traffic safety in Gümüşhane city center during the winter months. These findings may be used by the municipality and related institutions to guide their winter season plans. This approach aims to ensure safe transportation in the city during the winter season.