Dense Fog Advisory Issued for South Central PA, Visibility Plummets

URGENT UPDATE: A dense fog advisory has been issued for South Central Pennsylvania effective immediately, with visibility dropping to as low as 1/4 mile in several counties. The National Weather Service confirmed that this advisory will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on September 27, 2023, impacting travel across the region.

As of 10:28 p.m. on September 26, 2023, residents in Franklin, Dauphin, Schuylkill, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York, and Lancaster counties are urged to exercise extreme caution. Reports indicate that visibility has already been reduced to just a few hundred feet on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Authorities warn that the dense fog is both ongoing and expected to worsen shortly, leading to potentially dangerous driving situations. Travelers are advised to allow extra time to reach their destinations and to use low-beam headlights for safety.

Key Safety Tips:
– **Slow down:** Reduce your speed and increase your travel time.
– **Visibility priority:** Use low-beam headlights to increase visibility for yourself and others.
– **Avoid high-beams:** These can create glare and worsen visibility.
– **Maintain safe gaps:** Keep a generous following distance to react to sudden stops.
– **Stay in your lane:** Use lane markings as a guide.
– **Zero visibility strategy:** If visibility approaches zero, turn on hazard lights and pull off the road safely, turning off all lights except hazards.

This advisory serves as a critical reminder of the dangers that dense fog can present. The conditions are not only challenging for drivers but also have the potential to impact public safety and emergency services.

As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow updates from the National Weather Service. Consider postponing non-essential travel until visibility improves.

Stay safe and share this information with others to ensure everyone is aware of these dangerous conditions sweeping through South Central Pennsylvania.