The National Weather Service issued an updated freezing fog advisory for Eastern Curry County, Josephine County, and Jackson County on Monday at 8:36 a.m., with a 9 a.m. expiration date.
Additionally, the meteorological service notes that “the fog thickness had decreased over the last hour or two.”
According to the weather service, “people with respiratory problems may experience problems due to poor air quality.” “Persons with respiratory illness should follow their physicians advice for dealing with high levels of air pollution during periods of stagnant air.”
What does a freezing fog advisory mean?
An advisory for freezing fog is a critical warning when fog is expected to form at or below freezing temperatures. Under such circumstances, the fog’s minuscule liquid droplets have the ability to quickly freeze when they come into touch with objects, such as cars and roads. Visibilities frequently fall to a mile or less as a result of this phenomena, which dramatically increases the risks involved in driving, sailing, flying, and other forms of transportation.
A freezing fog: what is it?
A close relative of ice, freezing fog forms similarly to ordinary fog. When the skies are clear, heat travels into space, causing the Earth’s surface to cool. This is how fog and freezing fog begin. The air’s ability to hold onto moisture diminishes as this cooling process goes on, which causes water vapor to condense into tiny liquid droplets—the fundamental building blocks of fog. “Supercooling” is the term for the phenomena whereby the water droplets in this fog stay liquid when it occurs at temperatures below freezing. Essentially, supercooling is the process by which a liquid stays liquid because there is no freezing surface present, even when it is below its freezing point.
These supercooled droplets experience a stunning metamorphosis upon coming into contact with surfaces, crystallizing into fragile ice formations called rime. Trees, plants, and other environmental features, as well as vertical surfaces exposed to prevailing winds, frequently exhibit this change. In actuality, rime can develop on a number of surfaces, such as sidewalks, highways, railings, stairs, and even automobiles.
Black ice: what is it?
Clear ice, sometimes referred to as black ice, is a thin, almost undetectable layer of glaze ice that accumulates on a variety of surfaces, particularly roads. Despite its name, the ice is not black; rather, it has extraordinary transparency, which allows the black road pavement underneath to be seen.
Freezing fog is often blamed for the production of black ice, which can quickly cover roads with this dangerous threat. Due to its near-invisibility, black ice is particularly dangerous since it is difficult for drivers to notice.
How can I keep myself safe?
Avoiding travel if at all feasible may be the safest course of action when freezing fog covers your surroundings. If going out becomes inevitable, go with extreme caution and follow these crucial safety precautions:
High alertness:
Keep an eye out because the infamous black ice, which is still difficult to detect, can form from freezing fog.
Slow down:
Reduce your speed when driving, particularly if there is a suspicion of slippery conditions.
Priority for visibility:
Use low-beam headlights, which also turn on your taillights, to make sure that people can see your car. Make use of your fog lights if you have them.
Steer clear of high beams:
Avoid using high-beam headlights since they produce glare that reduces your driving visibility.
Remain at a safe distance:
To allow for unexpected stops or modifications in the traffic pattern, maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Remain in your lane:
To stay in the right lane, follow the lane markers on the road.
Flyers should be advised that even a thin film of ice can accumulate on aircraft surfaces, presenting serious threats to flight safety. Before you take off, make sure the aircraft is well maintained or has efficient de-icing equipment.
Knowledge and alertness are your unwavering partners in the world of freezing fog, enabling you to handle these weather-related challenges with your safety as your top priority.
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