The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 5:05 a.m. on Tuesday for dense fog until 8 a.m. for Horry County.
“Patchy dense fog has developed across some of the area this morning. The fog may become locally dense, reducing visibilities on area roadways,” says the weather service.
The weather service adds, “If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed.”
This alert is in effect until 8 a.m.
Guidance from the weather service for navigating foggy conditions
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
Reduce 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:Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in 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 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.
No parking options:If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated so that other drivers don’t mistakenly run into you.
By adhering to these weather service recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.
