A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 2:02 a.m. for dense fog until 9 a.m. for Echols and Clinch counties.

“Surface observations and local webcams indicate that patchy to areas of locally dense fog were developing across portions of the Suwannee Valley in inland northeast Florida as well as portions of inland southeast Georgia. Fog may expand and become dense across inland locations to the west of the U.S. Highway 301 corridor through the early morning hours on Monday. The nature of the fog is such that visibilities will vary greatly over short distances. Motorists should be alert for rapidly changing conditions through sunrise. If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed,” states the NWS.

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS

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

Reduce 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:

• Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in 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 situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a 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