The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 9:50 p.m. on Saturday for dense fog until Sunday at 5 a.m. The alert is for Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Franklin, Hart and Elbert counties.
"Patchy dense fog will be in place tonight across Northeast Georgia, Upstate South Carolina, and the foothills and Piedmont of North Carolina. Expect variable visibilities tonight with values ranging from 3 miles to one quarter of a mile or less. Visibility will likely decrease suddenly and over short distances. Motorists traveling in these areas should use extra caution. Visibilities should improve from west to east as a line of showers and thunderstorms moves into the area between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Slow down, increase following distance, and turn on your low-beam headlights," says the NWS.
Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions
If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:
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:
• 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 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 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
