Dense Fog Advisory Issued for Central Alabama, Hazardous Driving Conditions Expected

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham issued a dense fog advisory early Tuesday morning, warning of hazardous driving conditions across central Alabama. The advisory, in effect until 9 a.m. CST, covers Madison, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb, and Cullman counties, with visibility reduced to a quarter-mile or less in freezing fog.

“Visibility of one-quarter of a mile or less in dense freezing fog,” the NWS stated. “The freezing fog may create a very thin glaze of ice on elevated and exposed surfaces.” The agency emphasized that the combination of low visibility and potential ice on bridges and overpasses could make driving particularly dangerous.

Drivers are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and maintain a safe following distance. The NWS also advised against using high-beam headlights, as they can create glare and further reduce visibility. In cases of near-zero visibility, motorists should activate hazard lights and pull over to a safe location, such as a parking lot, until conditions improve.

If no parking area is available, drivers should pull as far off the road as possible, turn off all lights except hazard flashers, and engage the emergency brake to avoid collisions. The advisory highlights the importance of caution, as freezing fog can lead to frost on bridge decks, creating slippery road conditions.

The NWS also noted that some areas in the southern part of the advisory zone, including Sumter and Chambers counties, were not yet at freezing temperatures but were expected to drop near or below freezing before the advisory expires. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to monitor updates and adjust travel plans accordingly.

Advance Local Weather Alerts, a service powered by United Robots, provided the latest data from the NWS using machine learning. The advisory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather and the need for preparedness during hazardous conditions.