Dense Fog Advisory in Effect Until 9 A.M. Today

Drivers are asked to exercise caution this morning as the National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory that will be in effect until 9 a.m.

According to the NWS advisory:

…DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM EDT WEDNESDAY…

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
issued a Dense Fog Advisory, which is in effect until 9 AM EDT
Wednesday.

* VISIBILITIES…One quarter mile or less at times.

* IMPACTS…Areas of dense fog will cause sudden reductions in
visibility and rapidly changing conditions, making travel
difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Dense Fog Advisory means visibilities will frequently be
reduced to less than one quarter mile. If driving, slow down, use
your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue has shared a number of fog safety tips for drivers who will be out in the hazardous conditions this morning.

• Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Make your vehicle visible to others both ahead of you and behind you by using your low-beam headlights since this means your taillights will also be on. Use fog lights if you have them.
• Never use your high-beam lights. Using high beam lights causes glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
• Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
• To ensure you are staying in the proper lane, follow the lines on the road with your eyes.
• In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business and stop.

Photo courtesy National Weather Service