The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory at 3:12 a.m. on Wednesday in effect until 10 a.m. The advisory is for Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Franklin, Hart and Elbert counties.
"Visibility dropping to one quarter mile or less in dense fog," adds the NWS. "Some locations have seen fog become more patchy or variable in thickness since late evening but have recently improved. Such locations are likely to see visibilities worsen again, at least for short periods, before the fog dissipates altogether in late morning."
"Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous," explains the NWS. "If driving, slow down, use low-beam headlights and fog lamps, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. Even if visibility does not seem restricted, be prepared for a rapid loss of visibility if you encounter an area of fog."
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS
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:
Moderate your speed:
Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip 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.
Keep a safe distance:
Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
Stay in your lane:
Use the road's lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
Zero visibility strategy:
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.
No parking options:
If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
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
