Dense fog advisory active for North Bay Interior Valleys until Tuesday morning – visibility down to 1/4 mile

On Monday at 9:51 p.m. an updated dense fog advisory was released by the National Weather Service in effect until Tuesday Dec. 30, at 10 a.m. for North Bay Interior Valleys.

The NWS San Francisco CA says to anticipate, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”

“Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and livestock. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” according to the NWS. “Ensure portable heaters are working properly and are used correctly to avoid sparking a fire indoors. Do not use generators or grills inside as carbon monoxide poisoning can result. Check with your local, city, or county officials for information on available warming centers. Be sure to dress in layers if outdoors. Make sure that pets and livestock have adequate food, unfrozen water, and warmth. Cover or tend to sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation. 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.”

Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels

When a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility can plummet to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions pose challenges for travel, so exercise extra caution on the road or consider postponing your trip if possible.

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

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip 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 available, employ your fog lights.

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 your distance:

Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.

Stay in your lane:

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

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 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 weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories