NY weather: Weather alert issued for dense fog in New York until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 12:16 a.m. on Wednesday for dense fog until 3:30 a.m. for Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Erie, Genesee and Ontario counties.

“Areas of fog along the Lake Ontario shoreline will advance inland overnight, with reduction in visibility to a half a mile or less. Roadways that may be impacted by dense fog, but not limited to include Interstate 90 and Route 104. Visibility can change quickly on roadways. If you are driving, slow down and be on alert for other motorists. Low visibility shortens the amount of time you have to react to situations,” states the weather service.

Fog safety: Tips from the weather service for safe travels

If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service 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 automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Avoid high-beams:

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

Maintain safe gaps:

• Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

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

Zero visibility protocol:

• 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 remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these weather service…