Amarillo, TX – Drivers in the Texas Panhandle are being urged to exercise caution tonight and into Monday morning as dense fog is expected to develop, potentially reducing visibility to as low as ¼ mile. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Amarillo has issued a warning about the fog, which could create hazardous driving conditions for early commuters.
The Weather Forecast: Fog Developing Overnight
According to the National Weather Service, dense fog is expected to begin forming around 2 a.m. CDT tonight, with the fog becoming more widespread between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday. Areas most likely to experience the thickest fog include the central and western Panhandle, with Amarillo, Dumas, and Borger expected to be particularly affected.
The NWS reports a 30-60% chance of dense fog in these regions, which could create difficult and dangerous driving conditions for morning commuters. Motorists in these areas are advised to remain cautious as the fog may significantly reduce visibility, especially on rural and open highways.
Travel Advisory: Drivers Urged to Take Precautions
While no official weather advisory has been issued at this time, the NWS is recommending drivers take precautions to ensure their safety in the dense fog.
Motorists are advised to:
- Allow extra travel time to reach your destination.
- Reduce speed to accommodate the low visibility.
- Use low beam headlights or fog lights when driving through fog.
The NWS also warned that visibility could fluctuate rapidly, making driving conditions even more unpredictable and hazardous. Drivers should be especially cautious on rural roads and highways, where road markings and signs may be difficult to see through the fog.
Ongoing Monitoring: Stay Updated on Weather Changes
While the NWS has not issued a formal advisory yet, forecasters suggest that conditions are still being monitored closely. Drivers are encouraged to keep up with the latest weather updates throughout the night to stay informed of any changes in conditions.
As the fog is expected to persist through the early hours of Monday, travelers should remain vigilant and be prepared for the possibility of additional foggy mornings in the coming days.
Conclusion
With dense fog expected to impact travel across Amarillo and the surrounding Panhandle early Monday, it’s essential that drivers take precautions to stay safe. By allowing extra travel time and reducing speed, motorists can minimize the risks posed by low visibility. Stay updated on weather alerts from the National Weather Service for any changes to the forecast.
What are your thoughts on driving in foggy conditions? Share your tips for staying safe in the comments below.
