A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 2:19 p.m. for dense fog until 8 p.m. The alert is for Northwest Suffolk, Northeast Suffolk, Southwest Suffolk and Southeast Suffolk.

“Fog is developing across parts of the region with reduced visibilities. There are some patches of dense fog that will reduce visibilities down to a quarter mile or less. Motorists should use low beam headlights and remain alert for rapidly changing visibilities. Allow extra time to reach your destination,” says the NWS.

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS

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 headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep your distance:

• Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

• Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.

Visibility near zero:

• 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.

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 remain unlit, minimizing the chance 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