Dense fog warnings are in place across 12 states today, with various parts of the country continuing to be hit with weather warnings over the festive period.
Fog is expected to linger throughout the morning, and some advisories may extend into the early afternoon. Visibility is reduced to a quarter mile or less in some regions.
Why It Matters
This comes after warnings of strong tornado winds and storms earlier this week.
Under the new fog advisories, drivers have been told to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and maintain a safe following distance to avoid accidents in low-visibility conditions. The fog may cause rapidly changing visibility, especially in areas where it thickens suddenly.
What To Know
The warning has been issued for the following states:
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Colorado
- Louisiana
Navigation is difficult on waterways, with marine advisories warning of reduced visibility in areas such as Lake Michigan, the Gulf Coast, and Matagorda Bay in Texas. Mariners are encouraged to use radar and fog signals while keeping all navigation lights operational.
Some of the densest fog is expected in the central U.S., with areas in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa particularly hard hit.
Urban areas like Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Lincoln may see significant disruption during the morning commute. In parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, freezing fog may cause dangers by creating slick surfaces on untreated roads.
Meanwhile, over in the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes regions may experience delays for shipping and boating activities due to the hazardous conditions.
These advisories cover a wide range of regions, including urban areas, rural locations, and nearshore waters. Visibility is expected to be significantly reduced in these areas, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and mariners.
What People Are Saying
The NWS said on X, formerly Twitter: "Several areas across the U.S. are being watched for potential hazardous weather spanning a few days either side of New Year's Day."
What's Next
The duration of the fog advisories varies by region, but most are expected to remain in effect until late morning or early afternoon on Friday.
In central U.S., including Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas, fog is likely to clear between 9:00 a.m. and noon local time, while parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, such as Wisconsin and Michigan, may see advisories extend until 1:00 p.m. local time with freezing fog potentially lingering longer in some areas.
Mountain and Plains regions, like Colorado, can expect fog to lift by 9:00 a.m. local time, though valleys may experience longer delays. Coastal and marine areas, including the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes, are likely to see fog dissipate by mid-morning, though some marine advisories may remain in place due to ongoing hazards.
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