Prepare for dense fog in Lowcountry Monday morning

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A weather alert was issued by the NWS Charleston SC on Monday at 5:16 a.m. for dense fog until 8:15 a.m. The alert is for Inland Colleton, Inland Berkeley, Inland Jasper, Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper and Tidal Berkeley as well as Allendale, Hampton, Dorchester, Beaufort and Charleston counties.

"Areas of fog will develop across portions of southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia through sunrise. The fog could become locally dense at times, dropping to 1/4 mile or less. The nature of the fog is such that visibilities will vary greatly over short distances with the risk for locally dense fog the greatest near bodies of water and other low-lying areas such as marshes, swamps, and large ditches. Motorists should remain alert for these conditions this morning," states the NWS.

The NWS comments, "If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed."

This alert is in effect until 8:15 a.m.

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS

If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:

Reduce speed:

• Slow down and allocate extra travel time 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 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:

• Use the road's lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.

Zero visibility strategy:

• 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.

Limited parking options:

• If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated so that other drivers don't mistakenly run into you.

By adhering to these recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots South Carolina

This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 5:21 AM.