Orange County Coast, Orange County, San Diego County Coastal Areas and San Diego County Inland Valleys are the focus of a dense fog advisory released at 7:12 p.m. on Tuesday by the National Weather Service. The advisory is valid from 10 p.m. until Wednesday Jan. 21, at 9 a.m.
The NWS San Diego CA says to expect, “Areas of dense fog with visibility one quarter mile or less.”
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” the NWS said. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels
When a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility can plummet to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions pose challenges for travel, so exercise extra caution on the road or consider postponing your trip if possible.
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:
Reduce speed:
Slow down and allocate extra travel time to reach your destination safely.
Visibility matters:
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use 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:
Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
Stay in your lane:
Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.
Zero visibility strategy:
In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.
Limited parking options:
If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
By adhering to these precautions from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page
