News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory for several counties in Southeast North Carolina and Northeast South Carolina, warning of reduced visibility. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and adhere to safety measures in foggy conditions. Additionally, smoke from wildfires has further impacted visibility, particularly in Horry County. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing weather advisories as conditions may continue to fluctuate throughout the weekend.
Dense Fog Advisory and Smoke Alerts in Southeast North Carolina and Northeast South Carolina
Wilmington, NC – The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a dense fog advisory at 5:51 a.m. on Saturday, set to remain in effect until 9 a.m. This advisory targets several areas, including Myrtle Beach, Inland Georgetown, Coastal Georgetown, Conway, and the counties of Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, and Williamsburg. Residents and travelers should brace for patchy dense fog that is expected to persist through daybreak, leading to visibility reductions to one-quarter mile or less.
Driving Safety Measures
Due to the foggy conditions, drivers are warned to exercise caution. It is recommended that motorists slow down and maintain extra distance in front of their vehicles to account for sudden stops. The NWS has provided essential driving safety guidelines for traversing foggy conditions, which include:
- Reduce speed
- Prioritize visibility
- Avoid using high-beam headlights
- Maintain safe following distances
- Stay in your lane
- Utilize zero visibility strategies
- No parking options should be advised
A similar advisory was also issued on Sunday at 6:42 a.m. lasting until 9 a.m., impacting the same areas as Saturday. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant as these weather conditions continue throughout the weekend.
Impact of Wildfire Smoke
In addition to the fog, smoke from wildfires has significantly impacted visibility, particularly in Horry County, from late Sunday night into early Monday morning. Some areas reported near-zero visibility due to the concentration of smoke, which was exacerbated by calm winds and an atmospheric inversion that trapped smoke close to the ground.
On Sunday, prevailing wind speeds reached around 20 miles per hour, but winds calmed in the evening, allowing smoke to settle in regions that previously experienced clearer air. Atmospheric inversions, which are more common at night, create conditions that can lead to dense fog as well as smoke accumulation.
The change in temperature from Saturday’s mid to upper 70s down to the upper 40s on Sunday contributed to the varying visibility due to the interaction between air temperature and smoke dispersal. The NWS has alerted that another atmospheric inversion is anticipated Monday night into Tuesday morning, raising concerns for the potential re-emergence of dense smoke in areas affected by wildfires.
Upcoming Weather Conditions
Looking ahead, mild weather is expected over the weekend with anticipated daytime temperatures around 70 degrees under sunny conditions. However, humidity levels could lead to isolated showers into the following week, creating a complex interplay of weather situations in the region.
Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about updates regarding weather advisories as conditions may change rapidly and safely navigate through these adverse weather scenarios.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Dense Fog and Smoke Alerts
- Wikipedia: Dense Fog Advisory
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Search: Dense Fog Advisory North Carolina
- Island Packet: Weather Update
- Google Scholar: Weather Conditions North Carolina
- WMBF News: Weather Alert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dense Fog
- Post and Courier: Fog Advisory Statewide
- Google News: Fog Advisory South Carolina
