News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory for several regions in southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, including Conway. Low visibility due to fog and smoke from wildfires has raised safety concerns for drivers. The advisory remains effective until 9 a.m. today, urging motorists to take precautions while navigating the affected areas. As a cold front approaches, temperatures are expected to drop significantly in the coming days, adding to the weather challenges in the region.
Conway, South Carolina – A dense fog advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington NC for several areas in southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina due to hazardous driving conditions caused by low visibility. The advisory was announced on Sunday at 6:42 a.m. and is effective until 9 a.m. for regions including Conway, Myrtle Beach, Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, and Marion counties.
Patchy dense fog is expected to reduce visibility to one quarter of a mile or less, prompting the NWS to recommend that drivers take precautions while on the road. Measures to ensure safety while driving in foggy conditions include reducing speed, prioritizing visibility, avoiding high beams, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, staying in one’s lane, and being aware that visibility could drop to near zero. The NWS also cautions against parking on roadways to prevent accidents.
In addition to the fog, smoke from wildfires in Horry County has drastically impacted visibility in the area, particularly on Sunday night and Monday morning, with some locations experiencing conditions close to zero visibility. This concentration of smoke was primarily felt in inland communities, attributed to calm winds that settled the smoke. An atmospheric inversion exacerbated the situation by trapping the smoke near the surface, preventing its dispersal and leading to poor air quality.
Safety Measures and Weather Forecast
Given the hazardous driving conditions resulting from the fog and smoke, the NWS has advised drivers to exercise caution. The recommendations include reducing speed, minimizing distractions, and being prepared for sudden stops due to other vehicles or obstacles appearing unexpectedly. Drivers are urged to keep headlights on low beam to improve visibility while navigating through fog.
As we approach the end of the year, a surge of mild temperatures and gusty winds is anticipated to sweep across the region. On New Year’s Eve, breezy conditions are expected, with wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph. Temperatures at midnight are projected to be in the low to middle 50s, decreasing to the low to middle 40s by the following morning.
Cold Front on the Horizon
A cold front is set to arrive over New Year’s weekend, leading to a drop in temperatures. Highs may fall into the upper 40s and lower 50s, while morning lows could plummet into the 20s and 30s during the weekend following New Year’s Day. This shift in weather will also bring about a transition from mild conditions to colder weather for the start of the new year.
Future Outlook
As conditions remain volatile, another atmospheric inversion is expected on Monday night into Tuesday morning, which could further contribute to extremely dense smoke in areas affected by the wildfires. Residents are advised to stay informed of changing weather conditions and to heed any warnings or advisories issued by the NWS to ensure their safety while traveling.
In summary, as southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina experience dangerous driving conditions from both fog and wildfire smoke, it is crucial for drivers to remain vigilant and responsible. The forecast of colder air following a warm end to the year highlights the dynamic nature of the weather in the region, which may continue to affect travel and outdoor activities in the coming days.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Dense Fog Advisory
- Wikipedia: Fog
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Update
- Google Search: Dense Fog Advisory
- Herald Online: Weather Conditions
- Google Scholar: Weather Advisory
- WMBF News: New Year’s Eve Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- WPDE: Wildfire Smoke and Fog
- Google News: Weather, Fog, and Smoke
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
