Marin Coastal Range, North Bay Interior Mountains, Coastal North Bay including Point Reyes National Seashore and North Bay Interior Valleys are the focus of a dense fog advisory released at 9:56 p.m. on Tuesday by the National Weather Service. The advisory is in effect until Wednesday Nov. 26, at 11 a.m.
The NWS San Francisco CA states to anticipate, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. Limited visibility will result in hazardous driving conditions,” the NWS said. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. If commuting, allow extra drive time to reach your destination safely.”
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS
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 driving in fog becomes unavoidable, remember these safety tips:
Reduce speed:
Slow down and allocate 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 headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility 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:
To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road’s lane markings as a guide.
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 weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories