This manuscript evaluated the characteristics of the highway-blocking event data in terms of meteorological conditions and spatiotemporal distribution. A 5-level classification of highway blocking was proposed. Finally, the authors developed a highway load index as a weighted average of a set of selected parameters to represent the loss due to highway blocking. The general methodology was promising but certain clarification is needed. The discussion was detailed while some rationale of critical decisions needs to be further elaborated. The conclusions were valid and provided insights for transport management authorities. Some editing for the English language is required throughout the manuscript.

The manuscript presents a study on a topic within the scope of the Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences (NHESS). I would recommend this manuscript for publication after addressing the attached comments with critical discussions and clarifications.

In this study, the authors propose a new, data-driven approach to evaluating the impact of severe weather conditions on highway infrastructures across China. They suggest employing k-means and CRITIC methodologies to assess the significance of various natural phenomena and to classify the impact of highway interruptions using a set of significant variables (both technical and economic) provided by the authorities. The scope of the study is relevant and aligns with the journal's topics. However, there are critical aspects that prevent the publication of this version. Most notably, the methodological presentation requires significant improvement, necessitating more detailed explanations and changes to the current structure. Additionally, the presentation of results needs enhancement. Furthermore, the discussion and the adopted terminology require critical review. Finally, the English language usage needs improvement (few examples are highlighted in the attached document, but an overall revision is recommended).

In this study, the authors present a methodology to evaluate the effects of different weather-related events on the Chinese highway network. While the statistical and geographical description of weather events and its effect on road impact is very interesting and well presented, several concepts that seem fundamental to understand the results, such as highway load and losses, are not clear and can be misleading. Better care should be given to clearly explain these concepts and separate them from their usual denominations for traffic demands and direct economic impacts.

Overall, the value proposition (why this study and its results are important) is not clear. The study should be reevaluated to clearly provide a valuable discussion of its results, considering the strengths and limitations of the methodology. Large revisioning for the English language and grammar is required throughout the manuscript, which is beyond the scope of the present review.