URGENT UPDATE: The National Weather Service has issued a critical weather alert for dense fog affecting parts of Pennsylvania, specifically Elk, Clearfield, Cambria, and Somerset counties. This alert was confirmed on Thursday at 8:27 p.m. and will remain in effect until 12:30 a.m. on Friday.
The weather service warns that fog is severely reducing visibility to less than a quarter of a mile, particularly in elevated areas where clouds are touching the ridges. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution when driving in these conditions, as visibility can change dramatically over short distances.
“Be prepared for fog to settle into the valleys overnight. The clouds and fog are not expected to dissipate quickly, and improvements will be slow on Friday morning,” officials stated.
If you must travel during this dense fog event, the National Weather Service recommends following essential safety tips:
– Moderate your speed: Drive slower to adapt to low visibility.
– Visibility priority: Keep headlights on low beam to improve visibility.
– Maintain safe gaps: Ensure there is enough distance from the vehicle in front.
– Stay in your lane: Avoid sudden lane changes that could lead to accidents.
– Zero visibility strategy: If visibility becomes extremely poor, pull over safely and wait for conditions to improve.
– Limited parking options: Be mindful of where you stop due to visibility issues.
By adhering to these precautions, individuals can navigate the hazardous conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring personal safety.
Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve, and prioritize safety if traveling in affected areas. Share this alert to keep others informed and safe during this weather event.
