Fog Rolls in Western South Florida Suburbs, Causing Commute Chaos
Fog Advisory Issued for Lower Keys and Western Portions of Region
Some folks in western South Florida suburbs woke up to a rather unusual sight on Thursday morning: a thick fog, which may have complicated the morning commute. A dense fog advisory remains in effect for the Lower Keys in Monroe County until 2 p.m., while an earlier advisory expired at 9 a.m. for Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
What Causes Fog?
The National Weather Service (NWS) explains that fog forms when the earth’s surface cools, allowing a deep layer of moist air to reach 100% humidity near the ground. "Fog is just basically a cloud at the surface, and we tend to see it quite a bit this time of the year," says First Alert meteorologist Adam Berg.
Fog Advisory Issued
A fog advisory is issued when fog reduces visibility to 1/8 mile or less over a widespread area, according to the NWS.
Driving Safety Tips
Emergency officials remind the public to drive slow and turn on low-beam headlights, not high-beam, when driving in foggy conditions. "So fog is made up of these little water particles right? So when you flash the high beams, you actually get a lot of that light bouncing back at you and it can actually blind you," Berg said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the thick fog that rolled in western South Florida suburbs on Thursday morning may have caused some commotion, but by following simple driving tips and being aware of the conditions, residents can stay safe on the roads.
FAQs
Q: What causes fog?
A: Fog forms when the earth’s surface cools, allowing a deep layer of moist air to reach 100% humidity near the ground.
Q: When is a fog advisory issued?
A: A fog advisory is issued when fog reduces visibility to 1/8 mile or less over a widespread area.
Q: Why should I turn off my high-beam headlights when driving in fog?
A: Turning off high-beam headlights can help prevent blinding yourself with light that bounces back from fog particles.
Q: What should I do if I’m driving in a foggy area?
A: Drive slow, turn on low-beam headlights, and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
