5 Freeway through Grapevine is included in a dense fog advisory issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 7:02 p.m. The advisory is in effect until Saturday Dec. 13, at 11 a.m.
“Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog for elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 feet,” can be anticipated according to the NWS Hanford CA. “Mountain Highways included but not limited to: 41, 58, 152, 168, 198 and Interstate 5. With little change in conditions, the dense fog will remain all day.”
“Sudden encounter of low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” according to the NWS. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
- 5 freeway through Grapevine
- West Side Mountains north of 198
- Coalinga – Avenal
- West Side Mountains South of 198
- South End San Joaquin Valley
- Mariposa Madera Foothills
- Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra
- Fresno-Tulare Foothills
- Fresno-Tulare Lower Sierra
- South End Sierra Foothills
- South End of the Lower Sierra
- Tehachapi
- Frazier Mountain Communities
- Buena Vista County
Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels
If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.
If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Moderate your speed:
Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.
Visibility priority:
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 lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Maintain safe gaps:
Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
Visibility near zero:
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.
No parking options:
If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance 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