5 Freeway through Grapevine was placed under a dense fog advisory by the National Weather Service on Friday at 6:54 p.m. The advisory is in effect until Saturday Dec. 13, at 11 a.m. “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog for elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 feet,” can be expected ac cording to the NWS Hanford CA. “Mountain Highways included but not limited to: 41, 58, 152, 168, 198 and Interstate 5. With little change in conditions, the dense fog will remain all day.” “Sudden encounter of low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” the NWS said. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.” The full list of affected locations includes: 5 Freeway through Grapevine West Side Mountains north of 198 Coalinga – Avenal West Side Mountains South of 198 South End San Joaquin Valley Mariposa Madera Foothills Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra Fresno-Tulare Foothills Fresno-Tulare Lower Sierra South End Sierra Foothills South End of the Lower Sierra Tehachapi Frazier Mountain Communities Buena Vista County Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip. If driving through fog becomes inevitable, remember these safety guidelines: Moderate your speed: Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip 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 available, employ your fog lights. Avoid high-beams: Refrain from using high-beam lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you 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: Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane. Visibility near zero: In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a 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 recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being. For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page ...read more read less