5 Freeway through Grapevine is under a dense fog advisory which was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 6:46 p.m. The advisory is in effect until Wednesday Dec. 10, at 11 a.m.

“Visibility down to quarter mile or less in dense fog,” can be expected according to the NWS Hanford CA. “Mountain Highways included but not limited to: 41, 58, 152, 168, 198 and Interstate 5.”

“Sudden encounter of 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.”

The full list of affected locations includes:

5 Freeway through Grapevine
West Side Mountains north of 198
Coalinga – Avenal
West Side Mountains South of 198
South End San Joaquin Valley
Mariposa Madera Foothills
Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra
Fresno-Tulare Foothills
Fresno-Tulare Lower Sierra
South End Sierra Foothills
South End of the Lower Sierra
Tehachapi
Frazier Mountain Communities
Buena Vista County

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 driving through fog becomes inevitable, remember these safety guidelines:

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

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:

To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road’s lane markings as a guide.

Visibility near zero:

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.

No parking options:

If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance 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 local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page