On Friday at 8:07 p.m. a dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 9 p.m. until Saturday 10 a.m. for the Eastern Plains.

The NWS says to anticipate, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” says the NWS. “If driving, slow down, use your low beams, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Larimer County below 6,000 feet/Northwest Weld County

• Northeast Weld County

• North and Northeast Elbert County below 6,000 feet/North Lincoln County

• Southeast Elbert County below 6,000 feet/South Lincoln County

• Logan County

• Washington County

• Sedgwick County

• Phillips County

Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions

When a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility can plummet to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions pose challenges for travel, so exercise extra caution on the road or consider postponing your trip if possible.

If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Reduce 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 lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.

Maintain safe gaps:

Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.

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, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.

No 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