A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service at 11:13 p.m. Monday for dense fog until 2 a.m. Tuesday. The alert covers southern Spartanburg as well as Cleveland, Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Cherokee, York, Laurens and Chester counties.

“Dense, patchy fog has developed in the area this evening, with the lowest visibilities currently reported just south of the I-85 corridor. This includes areas surrounding Charlotte. If fog extends, a dense fog advisory may be necessary. Motorists traveling in the area should use low beam lights, slow down and leave sufficient space between vehicles. Reduced visibilities may persist through the night,” the NWS states.

NWS Tips for Navigating in Fog Conditions

If you must drive in fog, remember these safety precautions:

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

• Make sure your vehicle is visible to others by using low beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Use fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Avoid high beams:

• Avoid using high beams, as they create glare that affects your visibility on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

• Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or changes in traffic.

Stay in your lane:

• Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to stay on track.

Zero Visibility Protocol:

• In situations with near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and look for a safe place, such as a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.

Limited parking options:

• If no parking area is available, park your vehicle as far from the side of the road as possible. Once stopped, turn off all lights except the hazard warning lights, engage the emergency brake and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of d other drivers collide with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these NWS precautions, you can navigate in safer fog conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.

Source: National Weather Service