A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 11:13 p.m. for dense fog until Tuesday at 2 a.m. The alert is for Southern Spartanburg as well as Cleveland, Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Cherokee, York, Laurens and Chester counties.

“Patchy dense fog has developed across the area this evening with the lowest visibilities currently being reported just south of the I-85 Corridor. This includes areas surrounding Charlotte. If the fog becomes more widespread, a Dense Fog Advisory may be needed. Motorists traveling in the area should use low-beam headlights, slow down and leave plenty of space between vehicles. The reduced visibilities may continue through the overnight,” states the NWS.

Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions

If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with 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:

• 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.

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 NWS precautions, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.

Source: The National Weather Service