A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Saturday at 5:43 a.m. for dense fog until 8 a.m. The alert is for Northern Ware, Northeastern Charlton, Southern Ware and Western Charlton as well as Atkinson, Pierce, Brantley, Echols and Clinch counties.
“Patchy dense fog with visibilities less than 1/2 mile have developed early this morning across inland Northeast Florida and portions of inland Southeast Georgia and will continue through sunrise. Visibilities will improve between 8am and 9am this morning. 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.
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:
Reduce 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 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 your distance:
• Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
• Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.
Zero visibility protocol:
• 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 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 with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
Source: The National Weather Service