Mobile, AL – A widespread blanket of dense fog is creating dangerous travel conditions across south Alabama, northwest Florida, and parts of southeast Mississippi, with visibility dropping to near zero along major roadways early Wednesday morning.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile issued a Dense Fog Advisory lasting until 9 AM, warning that drivers could experience sudden drops in visibility, especially along busy Gulf Coast corridors such as I-10, I-65, US-29, and US-90. According to the NWS, the advisory covers large portions of Wilcox, Monroe, Butler, and Escambia counties in Alabama, as well as Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Escambia counties in northwest Florida, with additional alerts for areas in southeast Mississippi.
Fog Expands Rapidly Across the Region
Weather officials say the fog intensified quickly overnight as calm winds and a saturated air mass settled near the surface. This allowed visibility to drop below a quarter mile in many areas, including Mobile Bay, Baldwin County, and the inland stretches of Escambia County.
Some of the densest fog was reported around:
- Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and Milton
- Mobile, Foley, and Gulf Shores
- Low-lying zones near marshlands and river valleys
The NWS explained in their early-morning discussion that fog formed as moisture pooled across coastal inlets and inland plains. Drivers heading toward cities such as Monroeville, Atmore, Crestview, or Fairhope may encounter unpredictable visibility drops along rural roads and intercity routes.
Areas Under the Dense Fog Advisory
Meteorologists emphasized that the advisory remains in effect for multiple locations across three states. The NWS Mobile office noted in its alert that several counties across Alabama and Florida are currently experiencing the worst impacts of the fog, while select counties in Mississippi also continue under similar conditions.
The areas highlighted include:
- Mobile and Baldwin counties in Alabama
- Wayne, Perry, Greene, Stone, and George counties in Mississippi
- Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Escambia counties in Florida
These regions are expected to see reduced visibility until shortly after sunrise, with some coastal sections remaining foggy slightly longer.
Travel Risks for Morning Commuters
Road visibility below a quarter mile can create severe challenges for motorists, especially during peak morning travel hours. Commuters along major interstates may suddenly struggle to see lane markers, brake lights, or road signs. Intersections and traffic lights may also be harder to identify.
Drivers traveling toward Mobile, Pensacola, Crestview, Gulf Shores, and Monroeville should prepare for slower travel and allow extra time. According to the National Weather Service Mobile, the fog is thickest near open water and lower elevation points but may shift depending on wind flow and temperature changes.
When Will the Fog Lift?
Forecasters expect the fog to begin lifting between 8 AM and 9 AM, as the sun warms the air and promotes improved mixing near the surface. However, some areas—especially near coastal bays and wetlands—could continue to see patchy fog through mid-morning.
Residents in areas bordering Mobile Bay, Pensacola Bay, and the inland river valleys of Alabama and Mississippi may notice lingering fog even after the advisory expires.
Safety Tips for Drivers During Dense Fog
Fog-related accidents are more common during early-morning travel hours, making precaution essential. Transportation safety experts recommend simple but effective measures for avoiding collisions.
Key guidance includes:
- Reduce speed to maintain control in rapidly changing visibility
- Use low-beam headlights instead of high beams
- Increase following distance to give more reaction time
- Avoid sudden lane changes or braking
If visibility becomes severe, drivers should pull over safely and wait for conditions to improve.
What This Weather Pattern Means for the Week
While fog can develop frequently during Gulf Coast winter and early-spring transitions, today’s widespread coverage is notable. Meteorologists say that humid overnight air, reduced winds, and clear skies all contributed to an ideal setup for dense fog formation across multiple states.
The remainder of the week is expected to bring normal temperatures and clearer skies, although similar fog events may occur again if the same atmospheric conditions return.
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