The National Weather Service issued a freezing fog advisory for the West Central Willamette Valley on Monday at 8:14 p.m., which will be in force until Tuesday at 11 a.m.
“Visibility one quarter mile or less in areas of dense freezing fog,” the weather agency states. “Frost is possible on elevated surfaces and grassy surfaces, as well as bridges and overpasses.”
“Those who have respiratory conditions may experience problems as a result of declining air quality. “Driving conditions could be dangerous in areas of dense freezing fog due to low visibility,” the weather agency said. “If you’re driving, reduce your speed and give yourself plenty of space. To improve their chances of being noticed by others in low visibility situations, cyclists and pedestrians can dress in reflective or bright clothes. 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. When there is a high degree of air pollution during times of stagnant air, people with respiratory illnesses should heed their doctor’s advise, particularly if your location is under an Air Quality Alert. As an alternative, you could enter your location in the search bar located on the homepage’s upper-left corner. If there is an Air Quality Alert for your area, it will be displayed at the top; if so, you can click on it to view further information.
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.
When these supercooled droplets encounter surfaces, they undergo a remarkable transformation, crystallizing into delicate ice structures known as rime. This transformation is often visible on vertical surfaces exposed to prevailing winds, as well as on trees, plants, and other elements in the environment. In fact, rime can form on a variety of surfaces, including stairs, railings, sidewalks, roads, and even vehicles.
Black ice: what is it?
Black ice, also known as clear ice, refers to a delicate, nearly invisible layer of glaze ice that forms on various surfaces, especially on roadways. Despite its name, the ice is not black, but possesses exceptional transparency, enabling the underlying black pavement of the road, to remain visible.
The formation of black ice is frequently attributed to freezing fog, which can swiftly coat roadways with this treacherous hazard. Its near-invisibility renders black ice exceptionally perilous, as it poses a significant challenge for road users to detect.
How to stay safe?
When freezing fog blankets your surroundings, the safest course of action may entail avoiding travel if at all possible. If venturing out becomes an inevitability, exercise utmost caution and heed these essential safety guidelines:
High vigilance:
Be vigilant, as freezing fog can give rise to the notorious black ice, which remains elusive and challenging to spot.
Reduce speed:
Drive at a reduced pace, especially when icy conditions are suspected.
Visibility matters:
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.
Avoid high-beams:
Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Keep a safe distance:
Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road’s lane markings as a guide.
For those taking to the skies, be aware that even a thin layer of ice can form on aircraft surfaces, posing significant flight safety risks. Ensure the aircraft is appropriately treated or equipped with effective de-icing systems before embarking on your journey.
In the realm of freezing fog, knowledge, and vigilance serve as your steadfast allies, empowering you to navigate these meteorological complexities with safety as your main priority.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
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