A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 11:54 p.m. for patchy fog until Tuesday at 5 a.m. The alert is for Davidson, Randolph, Chatham, Wake, Johnston, Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Wayne, Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland and Sampson counties.

“Patchy dense fog has developed across the Piedmont and Sandhills, and is likely to persist through at least 4 or 5 a.m. Visibilities may drop as low as a quarter of a mile at times, and motorists are urged to use caution as conditions may change rapidly over short distances. Conditions should rapidly improve before daybreak as a cold front moves through the area and brings in much drier air to central NC,” states the NWS.

Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions

If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips 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 your distance:

• Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

• Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.

Zero visibility protocol:

• In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.

No 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 recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service