Look for patchy fog in Midlands Sunday morning

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The NWS Columbia SC issued a weather alert at 4:21 a.m. on Sunday for patchy fog until 7 a.m. The alert is for Northern Lancaster, Southern Lancaster, Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg and Southeastern Orangeburg as well as Chesterfield, McCormick, Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, Richland, Lee, Aiken, Sumter, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon and Bamberg counties.

"Areas of patchy fog have developed early this morning, with visibilities as low as 1/4 statute miles being reported, mainly across the northern and western forecast area. Trends will be monitored for a Dense Fog Advisory for portions of the forecast area. If traveling, be prepared for the possibility of rapidly changing visibilities. If your encounter dense fog this morning, turn on your low beam lights and increase your driving distance," adds the NWS.

This alert is in effect until 7 a.m.

Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels

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

Reduce 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 headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep your distance:

• Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt 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.

Zero visibility protocol:

• In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.

No parking options:

• If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

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 24, 2026 at 4:24 AM.