A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 8:19 a.m. for dense fog until 6 p.m. for Horry and Georgetown counties.
“Fog may be locally dense at times through today right along the beaches and nearby coastal communities, especially along south facing beaches of Brunswick and Horry counties,” 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 6 p.m.
Fog safety: Tips from the weather service for safe travels
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 available, employ your fog lights.
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 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.
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 remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
By adhering to these weather service recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.