Urgent Dense Fog Advisory Issued for South Central PA Until 8 AM

URGENT UPDATE: A dense fog advisory is in effect for South Central Pennsylvania until 8 a.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service issued this warning at 10:28 p.m. Tuesday, cautioning residents of Franklin, Dauphin, Schuylkill, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York, and Lancaster counties about visibility dropping to as low as 1/4 mile.

According to the latest reports, dense fog is already impacting travel conditions, with visibility observed at just a few hundred feet on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County. The Weather Service warns that hazardous driving conditions will persist overnight, making it crucial for motorists to exercise extreme caution.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for travel and to adjust their driving behavior accordingly. “If you must drive, slow down, use your low-beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you,” the Weather Service stated. These precautions are vital as dense fog can significantly impair visibility, creating dangerous driving conditions.

For those on the road, follow these critical safety tips:

– **Moderate your speed:** Allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

– **Visibility priority:** Use low-beam headlights to ensure your vehicle is visible to others.

– **Avoid high-beams:** High-beam headlights create glare that can worsen visibility.

– **Maintain safe gaps:** Keep a generous following distance to account for sudden stops.

– **Stay in your lane:** Use lane markings as guides to help maintain your position on the road.

– **Zero visibility strategy:** If visibility drops to near zero, turn on your hazard lights and pull into a safe area.

The advisory underscores the urgency for residents to take precautions while traveling. The National Weather Service continues to monitor the situation closely, and updates will be provided as conditions evolve.

Stay tuned for further updates and take necessary precautions if you must travel during these foggy conditions. Your safety is the top priority. Share this information to ensure others are aware and prepared for these hazardous conditions.