Los Angeles County under a dense fog advisory until Saturday morning – Pasadena Star News

Dense Fog Advisory Issued for Southern California

A dense fog advisory is in effect for parts of Southern California until 10 a.m. Saturday, according to the National weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard CA. The advisory covers Catalina/Santa Barbara Islands, Malibu, Los Angeles County beaches, and the Los Angeles County inland coast, including Downtown Los Angeles.

“visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog,” the NWS said in its advisory issued at 4:06 a.m. Saturday.

“Low visibility could make driving and boating conditions hazardous,” the NWS warned. “if driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Fog Safety: Tips from the NWS

A dense fog advisory means widespread dense fog has developed, often reducing visibility to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so extreme caution is advised, and delaying travel whenever possible is recommended.

If you must travel in foggy conditions, follow these safety tips from the NWS:

• Moderate your speed: Slow down and allow extra time for your journey.
• visibility matters: use low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if available.
• Avoid high-beams: Do not use high-beam headlights as they create glare that impairs visibility.
• Maintain safe gaps: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in traffic.
• Stay in your lane: Use lane markings as a guide to ensure you remain in the correct lane.
• Zero visibility protocol: If visibility is near zero, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe place to pull over, such as a business parking lot.
• No parking options: If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Turn off all lights except hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to prevent your tail lights from illuminating.

By following these recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.

What advice does Dr.Linda Barton give for pedestrians and cyclists traveling in dense fog?

Navigating Dense Fog Safely with Meteorologist dr. Linda barton

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Linda Barton, a renowned meteorologist and weather safety expert from the National Weather service (NWS). Dr. Barton has dedicated her career to understanding and educating the public on severe weather conditions, including dense fog. Welcome, Dr. Barton.

Dr. Linda Barton:

Thank you for having me. I’m happy to share some insights on dense fog and how to stay safe during these conditions.

Dense fog Advisory Issued for Southern California

Archyde: A dense fog advisory has been issued for parts of Southern California. Can you tell our readers what this means?

Dr. Linda Barton:

Absolutely. A dense fog advisory means that widespread dense fog has developed,often reducing visibility to a quarter-mile or less. these conditions can make driving extremely challenging and even dangerous.

archyde: How should drivers approach these conditions?

Dr. Linda Barton:

First and foremost, if possible, delay your travel until the fog lifts. Though, if you must drive, slow down and allow extra time for your journey. use your low-beam headlights, as high beams can create glare and impair visibility. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and use lane markings as a guide.If visibility is near zero,turn on your hazard lights and pull over safely if possible.

Archyde: What about using fog lights? Are they helpful in dense fog?

Dr. Linda Barton:

Fog lights can be useful as they point downwards,illuminating the road directly ahead. Though, they’re not a substitute for careful driving and reduced speed. also, be mindful of other drivers and don’t obstruct their view with overly luminous lights.

Dense Fog Safety Tips

Archyde: The NWS has some specific safety tips for driving in dense fog. Can you walk us through them?

Dr.Linda barton:

• Moderate your speed: Reduce your speed to match the reduced visibility.
• Visibility matters: Use low-beam headlights and fog lights if available.
• Avoid high-beams: High beams can create glare and make visibility worse.
• Maintain safe gaps: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Stay in your lane: Use lane markings to guide you.
• Zero visibility protocol: If visibility is near zero, pull over safely and turn on your hazard lights.
• No parking options: If no designated parking area is available, pull off the road as far as possible, turn off lights except hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal.

dr. Linda Barton:

By following these tips, you can significantly improve your safety while driving in dense fog.

Archyde: What about pedestrians and cyclists? How can they ensure their safety?

Dr. Linda Barton:

Pedestrians and cyclists should wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight. Stick to routes you’re familiar with and avoid crossing or walking in the road where possible. If you must cross the road, cross at the slowest point in the traffic flow and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Thoughts on Staying Informed

Archyde: How can people stay informed about weather advisories and warnings?

Dr. Linda Barton:

I recommend bookmarking your local NWS office’s website, downloading the NWS app, and signing up for weather alerts. Also, follow your local news outlets for updates and advisories. Being informed is key to staying safe in hazardous weather conditions.

Archyde: Dr. Barton, thank you for sharing your expertise with our readers. Any final thoughts for our audience before we wrap up?

Dr. Linda Barton:

My final thought would be: always err on the side of caution when driving in bad weather. If you’re unsure, it’s better to delay your journey than to risk your safety and that of others.

Archyde: Wise words indeed. Thank you, Dr. Barton.