New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation (MTA) Authority has installed atmospheric sensors to the road and weather information systems on its bridges.

The small above-ground sensors have been installed to light poles at all seven MTA bridges to record data such as wind speed, velocity, direction and sustained wind times as well as measure rain and snow.

The information is sent through wireless communication to traffic authorities to take action and pose weather restrictions on the traffic, such as lowering speed limits, banning certain vehicles from crossing and sending out trucks to spread salt and for emergencies.

If the winds reach speeds of 40mph-49mph (in dry conditions), electronic signs and stationary flip-board signs display speed restrictions and if the wind speed rises further, vehicles are restricted from crossings the bridges.