Dense Fog Takes Over North Carolina: Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution

News Summary

North Carolina is experiencing dense fog this morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue alerts for several counties. Reduced visibility, dropping to less than a half mile in some areas, could complicate travel. Drivers are advised to take safety precautions, such as reducing speed, avoiding high beams, and maintaining safe distances. The fog is expected to last into the morning, making caution essential for all road users.

Dense Fog Takes Over North Carolina: Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution

Good morning, North Carolina! If you woke up today ready to hit the road, hold on just a minute. The morning sunshine might be hiding behind a thick blanket of dense fog. Yes, that’s right! The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for several counties, warning drivers to slow their roll and stay safe.

Fog Alerts in Full Force

It all started early Sunday morning when an alert was issued for the Northern Outer Banks. At 2:24 a.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) reported that “patchy dense fog has developed.” By the time you might’ve been sipping your morning coffee, dense fog was affecting visibility all around the area. Low visibilities were expected to linger for a while. In fact, visibility could drop to as low as a half mile at times!

The alert for this foggy situation was valid until 5 a.m. on Sunday, reminding folks that the drive could take a bit longer than usual. But wait, there’s more! Just when you thought it was clearing up, another alert came flying in on Monday at 4:04 a.m. This time, it covered a wider area including Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, and a whole bunch of other counties such as Martin, Pitt, and Beaufort.

What to Expect

The second alert, which is in play until 9:15 a.m. on Monday, indicates that the fog is not going anywhere just yet! It promises to spread and create visibility challenges, with fog that can drop visibility down to one mile or less. In some areas, people may even encounter patches where they’re squinting through less than a quarter mile!

Remember, Safety Comes First

If you’re thinking of driving during these foggy hours, the NWS has shared a few safety tips that everyone should keep in mind:

• Reduce your speed. You may need to take it slower to avoid surprises.
• Prioritize visibility. Make sure you can see and be seen!
• Avoid high-beam headlights. They can actually make things worse in fog.
• Maintain a safe distance. Keep plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Stay in your lane. Fog can distort your perception of the road.
• Prepare for near-zero visibility. Yes, it can get that tricky!
• Be aware of limited parking options. It might be challenging to find a safe spot in foggy areas.

Time to Stay Alert!

So, before you rush out the door, remember that visibility can change in a blink. A foggy morning can turn into a surprisingly safe day in no time, but it requires your full attention on the road. Keep your headlights on, drive cautiously, and pay extra attention to your surroundings. Safe driving today means safer travels for you and your loved ones.

Stay warm, stay alert, and remember — a little fog can be a big deal! Happy travels, North Carolina!

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Additional Resources

• 13 News Now
• Wikipedia: Fog
• San Francisco Chronicle
• Google Search: Dense Fog Driving Tips
• The New York Times
• Google Scholar: Fog Visibility Reduction
• Herald Sun
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fog
• San Francisco Chronicle Weather Forecast
• Google News: Dense Fog North Carolina