Weather alert for North Carolina Thursday morning

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The NWS Raleigh NC issued a weather alert at 6:18 a.m. on Thursday for patchy fog until 8 a.m. The alert is for Wayne, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland and Sampson counties.

"Patchy fog has developed over the area. 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.," according to the NWS.

This alert is in effect until 8 a.m.

Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels

If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If available, employ your fog lights.

Avoid high-beams:

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

Maintain safe gaps:

• 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:

• To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road's lane markings as a guide.

Visibility near zero:

• In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.

No parking options:

• If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate 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 21, 2026 at 6:23 AM.