Dense Fog Advisory in Effect Over Illinois Counties as November Starts

Most Illinois counties are under a Dense Fog Advisory until 10 AM on Tuesday, the first day of November, according to the National Weather Service.

Locally, thick fog has developed in many locations along and east of the Mississippi River as a result of lingering moisture from the downpour during the weekend. The visibility is now at or below a quarter mile.

Experts advise leaving extra time in addition to the typical morning commute because it is important to slow down with enough distance ahead when driving in low visibility. Additionally advised is the use of low-beam headlights.

Dense Fog Advisory

When widespread visibility of a quarter of a mile or possibly less is anticipated, a dense fog advisory is issued. The Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 10 AM Tuesday for a large portion of southern and central Illinois.

The I-55, I-64, and I-70 out of St. Louis as well as I-57 through a large portion of southern Illinois are among the interstates covered by the dense fog advisory. Southeast Missouri portions of I-55 are also included in the Dense Fog Advisory.

The term "storm alert" will be used by the Weather First Team to describe severe or potentially life-threatening weather in our area. TV and online graphics denote "Weather Alert," which refers to whether that is bothersome or disruptive, 5 On Your Side reports.

According to The Weather Channel, the advisory covers portions of southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.

Driving on Foggy Roads

According to the National Weather Service, the following safety advice should be kept in mind if driving in such foggy conditions is unavoidable:

Drivers are advised by experts to slow down, allowing time for their travels.
Low-beam headlights should be used by drivers to make their vehicles visible on the road, especially for vehicles both in front of them and behind them since this also means that their taillights will be on. For those who have them, using fog lights is also advised.
High-beam lights should not be used. High beam use creates glare, which makes it more challenging for drivers to see what is in front of them on the road.
To compensate for sudden braking or shifts in the traffic pattern, drivers should leave plenty of space between their car and the one in front of them.
Drivers are advised to use their eyes to follow the road lines to make sure they are staying in the right lane.
The best way to proceed is to first activate the hazard lights, then simply pull into a secure area, like the parking lot of a nearby business, and stop when visibility is close to zero in extremely dense fog.
Drivers should move their cars as far off the road as they can if there isn't a driveway or parking lot to pull into. Drivers should make sure that the tail lights are not on after coming to a complete stop so that other drivers won't accidentally crash into the car. They should also set the emergency brake and remove their foot from the brake pedal.