What is super fog and what causes it?
Every year fog leads to numerous delays on the roads and in the air, and even leads to fatalities. And while there are several different types of fog, super fog can be especially dangerous for drivers.
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Wildfire smoke and fog reduced visibility down to a mile on I-55 in Louisiana causing a deadly pileup crash on Monday, closing the interstate in both directions. Lance Scott joins FOX Weather as he waits on I-55 after the crash.
Fog can be extremely hazardous to drivers, boaters and pilots – especially when it's dense.
Every year fog leads to numerous delays on the roads and in the air, and even leads to fatalities. And while there are several different types of fog, super fog can be especially dangerous for drivers.
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What is super fog and what causes super fog?
A graphic explaining super fog.
(FOX Weather)
According to the National Weather Service, super fog forms when a mixture of smoke and moisture released from damp, smoldering materials such as brush, leaves and trees, mixes with cooler, saturated air.
That, the NWS says, causes super fog and can lower visibility to less than 10 feet.
With light wind, super fog settles through low terrain areas such as river beds and drainage ditches, but super fog is extremely dangerous when it's over highways and has been the cause of numerous fatal multi-vehicle crashes.
Such was the case in central Florida in 2022 and most recently, outside New Orleans on Monday.
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A deadly pileup caused by dense fog and wildfire smoke is seen on Interstate 55 northwest of New Orleans, Louisiana, on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.
(Michelle Charbonnet)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says super fog can be a threat to motorists at any time of the time, especially in parts of the southern United States.
While encounters with super fog don't happen often, the NWS suggests drivers be aware of steps they can take if they find themselves driving through fog or super fog.
Experts suggest:
- Drive with your lights on low beam
- Reduce your speed and allow for plenty of room between you and other vehicles
- Avoid crossing traffic
- Turn on your windshield wipers and defrosters to obtain maximum vision
- Listen for traffic that is not visible to the eye