Dense Fog Advisory for Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon

News Summary

A dense fog advisory has been issued for the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, reducing visibility to as low as a quarter mile. Drivers are urged to exercise caution on the roads due to hazardous conditions. Additionally, a freezing fog advisory has been put in place, increasing the risk of black ice. The fog is expected to lift by 10 a.m., leading to a sunny day ahead with warm temperatures.

Dense Fog Advisory Hits Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon!

If you’re living or traveling through the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, you might want to grab a cup of coffee and take it easy this morning! A dense fog advisory was put in place early Saturday morning at 2:51 a.m. and is expected to stick around until 10 a.m. Visibility has taken a hit, with conditions dropping down to a mere one-quarter mile or less in some areas.

Drive Carefully!

The National Weather Service is sending out a friendly reminder that this heavy fog can make driving a bit tricky. In fact, they urge everyone to exercise some extreme caution while on the roads during this advisory. The low visibility levels might lead to hazardous driving conditions, so you’ll want to take it slow.

Here are some top tips for driving safely in dense fog:

Slow Down: It might be tempting to keep up your regular pace, but taking your foot off the gas is the best way to stay safe.
Use Your Headlights: Turning on your low-beam headlights helps you see better and ensures others can spot you, too. Don’t forget to keep your taillights on!
Maintain Distance: Keep a good distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. You never know when someone might need to stop suddenly.
Stay in Your Lane: Use those road lane markings as a guide to help keep you on track.
Hazard Lights: If visibility gets really bad, don’t hesitate to turn on your hazard lights and pull over to a safe spot.
Be Mindful of Fog Lights: If your car has them, use those fog lights to enhance your visibility in the thick fog.

Also, avoid using your high-beam headlights! They can create glare and make things even harder to see. In almost complete fog, it’s best to limit your lights to just your hazard lights when you come to a stop.

Freezing Fog Advisory—Extra Caution Needed!

freezing fog advisory was issued Sunday at 4:09 a.m. for the same area. Freezing fog occurs when the fog meets temperature levels at or below freezing, causing those tiny droplets to freeze upon contact.

Be especially careful, as freezing fog can increase risks not just for drivers but for other modes of transport—boating and flying included! The emergence of black ice, a nearly invisible layer of ice forming on roads, can catch even the most experienced drivers off guard. Keep an eye out for these icy spots!

Stay Safe Out There!

Here are a few quick reminders to keep you safe during freezing fog:

Watch for Black Ice: Keep your eyes peeled while you’re driving; it can be nearly invisible and quite dangerous.
Moderate Your Speed: Taking it slow is always a wise choice in foggy conditions.
Stay Visible: Ensure other drivers can see you, which helps everyone stay safe.
Keep Your Distance: Again, it’s essential to maintain that safe distance from the car in front of you.
Secure Your Lane: Watch your lane position carefully, as visibility can drop at a moment’s notice.

Sunny Skies Await!

If you can hang in there until around 10 a.m., the fog is predicted to lift, revealing a lovely day ahead! After the fog clears, expect to bask in mostly sunny skies with warm temperatures reaching from the upper 70s to lower 80s. So, once the fog dissipates, you’ll have a fantastic day to enjoy the outdoors!

So, stay safe, take your time, and soon enough, you’ll be out enjoying the sunshine that awaits!