An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Friday at 2:54 a.m. for dense fog until 9 a.m. The alert is for Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens as well as Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau counties.

“Fog in the region will be locally dense this morning with the fog reducing the visibility to a quarter mile or less in spots. Motorists should be prepared for rapid changes in visibility and are urged to slow down and use caution. Use low beam headlights and keep extra spacing between vehicles,” according to the NWS.

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS

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

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allow 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 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:

• Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt 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