Prepare for patchy fog in North Carolina Tuesday morning

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The NWS Raleigh NC issued a report at 5:20 a.m. on Tuesday for patchy fog until 8 a.m. The alert is for Johnston, Harnett, Wayne, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland and Sampson counties.

"Patchy fog is developing over portions of the Sandhills and central and southern Coastal Plain. Visibilities may be half to a quarter mile or less at times. Motorists are urged to slow down, use low beam headlights, and allow extra following distance. Conditions should improve after 8 a.m.," states the NWS.

This alert is in effect until 8 a.m.

Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels

If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:

Reduce speed:

• Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility priority:

• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.

Avoid high-beams:

• Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

• Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.

Stay in your lane:

• Use the road's lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.

Zero visibility protocol:

• In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.

Limited parking options:

• If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

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

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots North Carolina

This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 5:24 AM.