An updated weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 1:50 a.m. for dense fog until 6 a.m. The alert is for Coffee, Jeff Davis, Bacon, Appling, Wayne, Atkinson, Pierce, Brantley, Echols, Clinch, Camden, Ware and Charlton counties.

"Widespread fog and low clouds continue early this morning per latest observations. Fog may become dense at times towards sunrise, especially across southeast GA and north and west of the St. Johns River. A Dense Fog Advisory may be needed later this morning if widespread lowering of visibilities occurs. Use your low beam headlights and make sure to leave plenty of distance between the vehicle in front of you," states the NWS.

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS

If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.

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 staying in the correct lane.

Visibility near zero:

• In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.

Limited parking options:

• If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service