An updated dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 2:55 a.m. in effect until 9 a.m.
The NWS states, "Visibility one quarter to one half mile in dense fog."
"Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous," comments the NWS. "If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you."
Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions
When a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility can plummet to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions pose challenges for travel, so exercise extra caution on the road or consider postponing your trip if possible.
If driving in fog becomes unavoidable, remember these safety tips:
Reduce speed:
Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.
Visibility priority:
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If available, employ your fog lights.
Avoid high-beams:
Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Maintain safe gaps:
Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
Use the road's lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
Zero visibility protocol:
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.
Limited parking options:
If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated so that other drivers don't mistakenly run into you.
By adhering to these precautions from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
Source: The National Weather Service
