At 9:36 a.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory for Central Douglas County, which was in force until noon.
The weather service says, “Visibility of less than a quarter of a mile in dense fog,” “Throughout the advisory period, particularly throughout the nighttime and morning hours, strong valley inversions, calm winds, and extremely shallow mixing layers of less than 1000 feet are anticipated. On Thursday, there might be a small window of better mixing and particulate dispersion due to a weak front.
“Driving conditions could be dangerous due to low visibility. People with respiratory conditions may experience difficulty due to poor air quality, according to the weather agency. “If you’re driving, use your headlights, slow down, and give yourself plenty of space. When it comes to dealing with high levels of air pollution during periods of stagnant air, people with respiratory illnesses should heed the advise of their doctors. State air quality organizations strongly advise against outdoor burning and to minimize the number of wood-burning equipment in homes. Long stretches of stagnant air can trap pollutants near the ground where people live and breathe, according to state air quality regulators. For information on any current limitations in your area, contact your local burn agency.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
Visibility can drop to a quarter-mile or less when a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, indicating that widespread dense fog has formed. Travel is difficult in these conditions, so be extra careful when driving or, if at all possible, postpone your journey.
The following weather service safety advice should be kept in mind if you must go outside in foggy conditions:
Slow down:
To ensure you get at your destination safely, slow down and allow additional time for your journey.
Visibility is important.
With low-beam headlights, which turn on your taillights automatically, you can be sure that people can see your car. If your car is fitted with fog lights, use them.
Steer clear of high beams:
Avoid using high-beam headlights since they produce glare that reduces your driving visibility.
Keep your gaps safe:
Keep a wide following distance in order to accommodate sudden stops or changing traffic patterns.
Remain in your lane:
Use the lane markers on the road as a reference to make sure you are staying in the correct lane.
Protocol for zero visibility:
When there is almost no visibility because of heavy fog, turn on your hazard lights and find a safe place to stop, like a nearby company parking lot.
Restricted parking possibilities
Pull your car as far to the side of the road as you can if there isn’t a parking space. To lessen the chance of other cars crashing into your stationary car, switch off all of your lights save the hazard flashers, apply the emergency brake, and let go of the brake pedal. This will ensure that your tail lights are off.
Following these weather service guidelines will help you drive more safely in foggy conditions, lowering your chance of an accident and protecting your health.
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