Jackson, MS – A widespread Dense Fog Advisory is impacting northeast Louisiana and much of Mississippi this morning, with visibility dropping to one-quarter mile or less through 9 a.m. CST Saturday. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Jackson has warned that the early-morning commute may become dangerous due to rapidly changing visibility and thick patches of fog across major travel routes.
Overview of the Fog Event
Much of the region woke up to a blanket of dense fog that formed quickly overnight. According to the National Weather Service, calm winds combined with high ground moisture after recent weather activity created ideal conditions for widespread fog formation across several counties and parishes.
The advisory extends across Madison, Franklin, Catahoula, Tensas and Concordia parishes in Louisiana, and a broad section of Mississippi, impacting cities such as Jackson, Vicksburg, Meridian, Columbus, Starkville, Pearl, Ridgeland, Hattiesburg, Laurel, Natchez, Brookhaven, Forest, Philadelphia, Yazoo City and McComb.
Timeline of Events
Fog began developing late Friday night and thickened rapidly before sunrise. By early morning, visibility had already deteriorated to below a quarter mile along several major interstates and rural roadways. The advisory remains active until 9 a.m. CST, though meteorologists expect some fog pockets to linger as temperatures rise.
Travel Impact and Affected Routes
Drivers traveling early this morning should anticipate sudden visibility drops on key highways. Roads most affected include:
- I-20
- I-55
- US-49
- US-61
- MS-25
- MS-35
Low-lying areas near major rivers—such as the Pearl River and the lower Mississippi River—are experiencing some of the densest fog. Open farmland, shaded roadways, and wooded sections are also reporting extremely poor visibility.
What Officials Are Saying
Weather officials stressed that drivers should take extra precaution due to rapid changes in visibility.
In the words of the National Weather Service:
“Motorists may encounter sudden transitions from clear roadway to near-whiteout conditions, especially along rural stretches, bridges and areas near river basins.”
They added that fog varies sharply over short distances, increasing the risk of accidents for those driving at high speed or following too closely.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Dense fog remains one of the most dangerous weather conditions for road travel. Drivers navigating this morning’s commute are urged to follow critical safety guidelines:
- Use low-beam headlights, not high beams
- Reduce speed immediately when entering fog
- Increase following distance to allow more reaction time
- Avoid sudden lane changes or braking
- Be especially cautious on bridges and elevated roadways
Even after the advisory expires, pockets of fog may persist longer in wooded and poorly drained areas, limiting visibility into the late morning.
Additional Context: Why Dense Fog Is So Hazardous
Fog-related crashes often occur because drivers misjudge distances or fail to slow down in time. Thick morning fog creates a “white wall” effect, which sharply reduces depth perception. Rural highways—common across Mississippi—pose even greater risk due to long, uninterrupted stretches of road and the tendency of drivers to travel at higher speeds.
Weather experts note that fog is especially common during the fall and winter months when overnight cooling meets moisture-rich air. These types of conditions can quickly produce dense fog with little warning.
What to Expect Next
Conditions should gradually improve by mid-morning as sunlight breaks through, but forecasters caution that isolated fog pockets may continue in shaded locations and river-adjacent roadways. Travelers planning morning shifts, weekend trips or early errands should remain alert until visibility fully returns to normal.
Conclusion
A widespread fog event is making travel hazardous across Mississippi and northeast Louisiana this morning. With visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less, motorists are urged to drive slowly, use proper lighting and remain alert for sudden transitions in visibility. As conditions improve, caution remains essential in fog-prone locations where dense patches may linger.
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