Dense Fog Alert Hits the Wilmington Area: Stay Safe!
Wilmington, North Carolina, is waking up to a foggy Tuesday night that may affect your evening plans and travel routes. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning at 10:21 PM on Tuesday, stating that dense fog is expected in the area until around 2 AM Wednesday. So, if you’re heading out, you might want to hit the brakes—figuratively and literally!
Where’s the Fog?
This alert isn’t just for Wilmington, but stretches across a wide range, affecting areas like Inland Pender, Coastal Pender, Inland New Hanover, and Coastal Brunswick. Myrtle Beach and several parts of South Carolina, including Inland and Coastal Georgetown, Central Horry, and Northern Horry, are also under this foggy blanket. Let’s not forget jurisdictions like Columbus, Marion, and Williamsburg counties. Basically, if you’re in or around these areas, expect the possibility of patchy dense fog impacting your travels.
Why is This Happening?
The fog is caused by a mix of cooler air settling in after a cold front swept through earlier in the night. The NWS mentioned that this drier, cooler air will help to clear out the fog by the pre-dawn hours on Wednesday, so hang tight—it won’t last forever!
Driving Safety Tips for Foggy Conditions
Now, if you absolutely must head out in this dense fog, keep these safety tips in mind to make your journey as smooth as possible. After all, nobody wants a scary drive!
- Moderate Your Speed: Slow and steady wins the race—especially in fog. This isn’t the time to test your driving skills.
- Visibility Priority: Use your low beam headlights. High beams only reflect off the fog and can blind you.
- Keep Your Distance: Maintain extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow for unexpected stops.
- Stay in Your Lane: Fog can distort your perception of the road. Focus on staying in your lane and avoid weaving.
- Zero Visibility Protocol: If the visibility drops to near-zero, pull over and wait it out. Find a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights.
- No Parking Options: Avoid parking on the side of the road, as other drivers may not see your vehicle.
By following these handy tips from the NWS, you can greatly reduce the risks associated with driving in fog. Putting your safety first should always be your main priority!
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, Wilmington! Foggy nights can be spooky, but with the right precautions, you can keep yourself safe while getting where you need to go. Make sure to stay tuned for updates from the NWS as they monitor the situation. Fog may be unpredictable, but your choices don’t have to be. Stay safe and drive carefully!
