At 4:09 a.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a freezing fog advisory for the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, which was in effect until 10 a.m.
As to the meteorological service, expect “Visibility one-quarter mile or less in freezing fog.”
The weather agency warns, “Driving conditions could be hazardous due to low visibility.” “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
Understanding freezing fog advisories
When fog occurs and surface temperatures are at or below freezing, a freezing fog advisory is issued. Because of this special atmospheric state, the tiny liquid droplets in the fog instantly freeze when they come into touch with anything, including cars and roads. The presence of freezing fog greatly increases the dangers of driving, boating, and flying, among other forms of transportation. Navigating in these chilly circumstances is made more difficult by this weather phenomenon, which typically reduces visibilities to one mile or less.
A freezing fog: what is it?
A close relative of ice, freezing fog forms similarly to ordinary fog. When the skies are clear, heat travels into space, causing the Earth’s surface to cool. This is how fog and freezing fog begin. The air’s ability to hold onto moisture diminishes as this cooling process goes on, which causes water vapor to condense into tiny liquid droplets—the fundamental building blocks of fog. “Supercooling” is the term for the phenomena whereby the water droplets in this fog stay liquid when it occurs at temperatures below freezing. Essentially, supercooling is the process by which a liquid stays liquid because there is no freezing surface present, even when it is below its freezing point.
These supercooled droplets experience a stunning metamorphosis upon coming into contact with surfaces, crystallizing into fragile ice formations called rime. Trees, plants, and other environmental features, as well as vertical surfaces exposed to prevailing winds, frequently exhibit this change. In actuality, rime can develop on a number of surfaces, such as sidewalks, highways, railings, stairs, and even automobiles.
Black ice: what is it?
Clear ice, sometimes referred to as black ice, is a thin, almost undetectable layer of glaze ice that accumulates on a variety of surfaces, particularly roads. Despite its name, the ice is not black; rather, it has extraordinary transparency, which allows the black road pavement underneath to be seen.
Freezing fog is often blamed for the production of black ice, which can quickly cover roads with this dangerous threat. Due to its near-invisibility, black ice is particularly dangerous since it is difficult for drivers to notice.
How can I keep myself safe?
Avoiding travel if at all feasible may be the safest course of action when freezing fog covers your surroundings. If going out becomes inevitable, go with extreme caution and follow these crucial safety precautions:
High alertness:
Be vigilant, as freezing fog can give rise to the notorious black ice, which remains elusive and challenging to spot.
Go at a moderate pace:
To account for possibly ice conditions, slow down.
Priority for visibility:
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. Make use of your fog lights if you have them.
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 generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.
For those taking to the skies, remember that even a thin layer of ice can form on aircraft surfaces, posing severe risks to flight safety. Ensure that the aircraft is properly treated or equipped with effective de-icing systems before embarking on your journey.
In the realm of freezing fog, knowledge, and vigilance serve as your steadfast allies, empowering you to navigate these meteorological complexities with safety as your main priority.
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