The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday for dense fog until 8 a.m. for Dillon, Florence, Marion, Williamsburg, Horry and Georgetown counties.
“Patchy fog is present across parts of southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, and will persist until shortly after sunrise this morning. The fog will 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.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service in mind:
Moderate your speed:Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.
Visibility matters: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 a safe distance:Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
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.
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 recommendations from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
