A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 1:52 a.m. for dense fog until 7 a.m. The alert is for Inland Bryan, Coastal Bryan, Inland Chatham and Coastal Chatham as well as Long, Liberty and McIntosh counties.
"Areas of fog will develop across the Georgia coastal corridor tonight. The fog may become locally dense at times, reducing visibilities on area roadways. Lowest visibilities should occur along the Atlantic coast and also near inland bodies of water, such as harbors and rivers," states the NWS.
The NWS states, "If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed."
Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:
Moderate your speed:
• Slow down and allocate extra travel time to reach your destination safely.
Visibility matters:
• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with 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:
• 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 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 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
