Central Valley Faces Dense Fog Advisory on Friday Expect Hazardous Driving Conditions
A dense fog advisory has been issued for several areas in California’s Central Valley, impacting local driving conditions significantly. This announcement was made by the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford office on Thursday evening.
Details of the Advisory
The advisory is valid from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Friday. It affects the following areas:
- Merced
- Madera
- Mendota
- Planada
- Le Grand
- Snelling
- Fresno Area
- Fresno-Clovis
- Delano-Wasco-Shafter
- Hanford-Corcoran-Lemoore
- Visalia-Porterville-Reedley
Visibility and Safety Concerns
The NWS has noted the potential for patchy fog that can develop overnight. Visibility could drop to one-quarter mile or less in dense fog, creating hazardous driving conditions. A 50 to 60 percent probability of such low visibility underscores the need for caution.
Driving Precautions
When driving in foggy conditions, it is essential to follow these safety tips:
- Slow down and allow extra time for travel.
- Use low-beam headlights to enhance visibility without causing glare.
- Activate fog lights if equipped.
- Avoid using high-beam lights, which can increase glare.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to accommodate sudden stops.
In Severe Fog
In instances of extremely dense fog, where visibility is nearly zero, follow these steps:
- Turn on hazard lights.
- Safely pull off the road into a parking lot or driveway.
- If no safe location is available, park as far off the road as possible.
- Once stopped, turn off all lights except hazard lights, and engage the emergency brake.
These precautions are vital for ensuring safety during the advisory period. The visibility challenges posed by dense fog require drivers to exercise increased vigilance and responsibility on the road.
For continuous updates on weather conditions, residents are encouraged to check with the NWS and local news outlets like Emegypt.
