Weather alert for dense fog in North Alabama until Saturday morning

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 4:23 a.m. for dense fog until 9 a.m. for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb and Cullman counties.

"Patchy dense fog has developed mainly in some river valleys early this morning. Visibility will be reduced to 1/4 mile or less in some of these locations. Motorists are urged to use low beams, reduce driving speed, and allow for plenty of room between you and other cars. The fog should begin to burn off by around 9 a.m.," according to the weather service.

Guidance from the weather service for navigating foggy conditions If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:

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 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 remaining in the correct lane.

Zero visibility protocol:

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