On Thursday at 4:46 p.m. a dense fog advisory was released by the National Weather Service valid from 10 p.m. until Friday 10 a.m. for Southeast Colorado.
The NWS informs, “Visibility less than 1/4 mile in dense fog.”
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” explains the NWS. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
• Pueblo Vicinity/Pueblo County below 6,300 feet
• La Junta Vicinity/Otero County
• Western Kiowa County
• Eastern Kiowa County
• Las Animas Vicinity/Bent County
• Lamar Vicinity/Prowers County
• Crowley 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 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 priority:
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 lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Maintain safe gaps:
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 extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.
Limited 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 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