Dense fog advisory for Delta for Monday – limited visibility

Carquinez Strait and Delta, Southern Sacramento Valley and Northern San Joaquin Valley are the focus of a dense fog advisory issued at 11:31 p.m. on Sunday by the National Weather Service. The advisory is valid for Monday, Dec. 29 between 1 a.m. and 11 a.m.

“Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog,” can be expected according to the NWS Sacramento CA. “Frost formation may be inhibited by northerly flow along and west of Interstate 5, or in areas where fog forms early on in the night.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation, especially if left uncovered,” the NWS said. “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

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 venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:

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 lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.

Visibility near zero:

In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.

No 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