Dense fog advisory in place for Delta for Friday – visibility limited to 1/4 mile

Carquinez Strait and Delta, Central Sacramento Valley, Southern Sacramento Valley and Northern San Joaquin Valley are under a dense fog advisory which was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 12:41 p.m. The advisory is valid for Friday, Jan. 30 between midnight and noon.

The NWS Sacramento CA says to prepare for, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” the NWS said. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

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 drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility priority:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Maintain safe gaps:

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 staying in the correct lane.

Zero visibility protocol:

In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.

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 recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.

For more weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories