Method and control system for utilizing an autonomous vehicle as shield against meteorological phenomena

A method for utilizing an autonomous vehicle as a shield from meteorological phenomena above a drivable surface area, comprising:

• determining, by a controller of the vehicle, if the drivable surface area is to be shielded from a meteorological phenomenon;
• autonomously driving, by the controller, the vehicle over the drivable surface area to at least partially cover the drivable surface area against the meteorological phenomenon;
• determining, by the controller, if the drivable surface area is to be uncovered;
• autonomously driving, by the controller, the vehicle away from the drivable surface area to uncover the drivable surface area;
• determining, by the controller, if the meteorological phenomenon is occurring within the drivable surface area and if the meteorological phenomenon is imminent within the drivable surface area;
• determining, by the controller, if the meteorological phenomenon has stopped in the drivable surface area;
• and
• determining, by the controller, if at least one of another vehicle and a traffic participant approaches the drivable surface area or communicates an intention to cross the drivable surface area,
• wherein the determination unit utilizes at least one of:
• a sensor system configured to detect at least one of a meteorological phenomenon, other vehicles, and traffic participants;
• meteorological data;
• environmental data;
• vehicle-to-vehicle communication;
• and
• environment-to-vehicle communication,
• wherein the sensor system is configured to detect curb heights within the drivable surface area, and
• wherein the sensor system is maintained snow free by at least one of the following:
• heating the sensor system using a heating system of the vehicle;
• and
• cleaning the sensor system using a cleaning device of the vehicle.