Based upon the real traffic data on the ring road expressway in Beijing, this study compared traffic flow characteristics in torrential rain with characteristics in dry weather. From processed empirical traffic data, the torrential rain impact is assessed at a microscopic level as characteristics of lane use, distribution of speed, time headways, and spacing are analyzed. Results indicate that traffic flow characteristics have some changes under torrential rain, but the percentage of lane use is less obvious compared to dry weather. Furthermore, torrential rain reduces speed and increases time headway in a way that is consistent with previous studies. However, what made it different is that under torrential rain, spacing decreases rapidly.
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