On Tuesday at 9:01 p.m. an updated dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 10 p.m. until Wednesday 10 a.m. for Florence, Marion, Williamsburg, Horry and Georgetown counties.
The weather service says, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” says the weather service. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
This advisory is in effect until Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Guidance from the weather service for navigating foggy conditions
If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service in mind:
Reduce 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 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 a safe distance: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 situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a 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 weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.
