Hey, Mississippi drivers—there’s some serious fog rolling in, and if you’re heading out in the next few hours, you need to be extra cautious. A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued for areas south of I-20, and this fog is no joke. It’s so thick that visibility will be reduced to less than a quarter mile, and it’s going to stick around until at least 9 A.M. Wednesday.
If you’ve got places to be, whether it’s work, school, or running errands, you’re going to want to take a little more time and attention as you hit the roads. The fog is going to make things tough for drivers, and it could cause delays, accidents, and a lot of slow-moving traffic. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe out there.
What’s Happening? Why This Fog is a Big Deal
Right now, that dense fog is covering a lot of the area south of I-20, especially across both urban and rural routes. If you’re driving, it’s going to be a challenge. You won’t be able to see far ahead, and the road might look like something straight out of a mystery movie—you could barely see the car in front of you until it’s too late.
The fog is expected to clear up by mid-morning, but it’s going to hang around for several more hours. So, if you’re planning to drive, be prepared for slow traffic and possibly even longer trips than usual.
What Should You Expect?
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Reduced Visibility: This fog is so thick you won’t be able to see much ahead of you, making driving much more difficult and dangerous. It could be tough to spot other cars, pedestrians, or any obstacles in your path.
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Slow Traffic: With everyone driving slower for safety, you’ll probably notice traffic moving at a crawl. Be patient, because it’s going to take longer to get to where you need to be.
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Delays Likely: Whether you’re commuting to work, taking the kids to school, or just running errands, you should expect delays. It’s better to give yourself a little extra time so you don’t feel rushed.
How to Stay Safe in the Fog:
This fog isn’t just inconvenient; it’s dangerous, and it can catch you off guard. But don’t worry—there are a few simple things you can do to stay safe:
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Slow Down: It’s tempting to go your usual speed, but you need to slow down. The fog makes it hard to see, so driving slower gives you more time to react if something unexpected happens. It’s better to arrive late than to rush and put yourself in danger.
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Use Low Beams: You might think that turning on your high beams will help you see better, but in foggy conditions, it actually makes things worse. It causes the light to reflect off the fog and make it even harder to see. Stick to low beams to get the best visibility.
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Keep Your Distance: If you’re following another car, keep a good distance between you and them. It’s harder to stop quickly in fog, and you want to make sure you have time to react if the car in front of you slows down or stops.
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Avoid Sudden Stops: If you need to stop, don’t do it suddenly—other drivers may not see your brake lights in time, and that could cause accidents. If you need to pull over, make sure it’s to the side of the road, not in the middle of it.
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Watch for Intersections: Fog distorts how far away things look, so always slow down when approaching intersections. Even if you have the green light, be sure to double-check that it’s safe to go.
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Be Patient: Patience is key. Yes, traffic will be slow, and it might take longer to get where you’re going, but rushing through foggy conditions increases your chances of making a mistake. Allow extra time and don’t push yourself to go faster than what’s safe.
This fog is serious, but if you stay alert, slow down, and take your time, you can avoid putting yourself or others at risk. If you don’t have to travel right now, it might be a good idea to wait until the fog clears. But if you do need to head out, just remember: safety first.
