A Dense Fog Advisory for Sullivan County is in effect until Monday morning – 1/4 mile visibility

At 9:44 PM Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 10:00 AM Monday for Sullivan County.

The weather service says it is prepared for: “Visibility of a quarter mile or less in dense fog.”

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured properties. Tree limbs could be blown over and scattered power outages could occur, especially to trees that were already loaded with previous ice,” the weather service explains. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution. When driving, slow down, use your headlights and keep enough distance in front of you.”

Fog Safety: Tips from the Weather Service for safe travel

If a dense fog warning is issued for your area, it means widespread dense fog has developed and visibility is often reduced to just a quarter mile or less. These conditions can make driving difficult, so use extreme caution on the road and consider delaying your journey if possible.

If you must drive in fog, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Reduce speed:

Slow down and give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

Make sure your vehicle is visible to others with dipped headlights that also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.

Avoid high beams:

Do not use high beams as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Maintain safe spaces:

Keep plenty of distance to allow for sudden stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

Use lane markings as a guide to stay in the correct lane.

Zero Visibility Protocol:

In the event of near-zero visibility due to thick fog, activate your hazard lights and find a safe place, such as a nearby commercial parking lot, to pull over and stop.

Limited parking options:

If no designated parking space is available, pull the vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stopped, deactivate all lights except hazard lights, apply the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure that your tail lights are not illuminated, minimizing the possibility of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By following these weather service recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and prioritize your well-being.