The National Weather Service issued a report at 4:12 a.m. on Tuesday for fog until 8:30 a.m. The alert is for Cherokee, Polk, Paulding, Haralson, Carroll, Douglas, Heard, Coweta and Troup counties.
"Some patchy freezing fog has developed across portions of Western and Northern Georgia overnight with visibilities between one quarter mile to 2 miles. Temperatures in these areas are currently at or just below freezing which when combined with the patchy fog poses a risk for a very light glaze of ice to develop on elevated surfaces through the early morning hours. Improving conditions are expected shortly after sunrise as temperatures rise. If driving, slow down, use low-beam headlights and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you," says the NWS.
Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
Moderate your speed:
• Slow down and allow extra travel time 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 your distance:
• Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
• To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road's lane markings as a guide.
Zero visibility strategy:
• In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, 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 recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.
Source: The National Weather Service
