Morning commuters across the Tennessee Valley are facing hazardous driving conditions due to dense fog, which is reducing visibility to a quarter-mile or less in some areas.
A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued for northern Alabama and much of middle Tennessee, making it essential for drivers to take extra precautions.
Dense Fog Advisory in Effect
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for parts of the Tennessee Valley, which began just before 4 a.m. on Thursday and will remain in effect until 9 a.m. CDT.
The advisory covers cities like Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Nashville, Columbia, and Cookeville, where fog is making travel difficult and unsafe. Drivers should expect low visibility and slower traffic throughout the morning commute.
Affected Routes
Major highways, including I-65, I-24, and U.S. 72, are particularly impacted by the fog. Visibility along these routes has been reduced, leading to potential delays and dangerous conditions.
Local law enforcement has advised drivers to take extra care, use headlights, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to stay safe on the roads.
Cause of the Fog
The dense fog is caused by a combination of light winds and high humidity, common during summer mornings in the region.
This is the seventh Dense Fog Advisory issued by the Huntsville office this year, demonstrating how frequent such conditions can be during the warmer months in the Tennessee Valley.
Safety Precautions for Drivers
For those traveling through the affected areas, it’s crucial to take the following safety measures:
Use headlights: Turn on your headlights to make yourself visible to other drivers and improve your ability to see.
Slow down: Drive at a reduced speed to allow more time to react to any obstacles or sudden changes in traffic.
Keep a safe distance: Allow extra space between your vehicle and others to account for the reduced stopping distance in foggy conditions.
Although the fog is expected to lift by 9 a.m., drivers are advised to stay updated with local weather reports and be prepared for possible delays. If the fog persists, further advisories may be issued.
