Southern California experienced significant travel disruptions on Tuesday morning due to hazardous driving conditions caused by dense fog. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued fog advisories across multiple counties, impacting over 10 million people in the region.
Travel Advisory Affects Over 10 Million People
The NWS advisories were specifically issued for key counties including:
- Los Angeles
- Orange
- San Diego
- Santa Barbara
- San Luis Obispo
- Ventura
The warnings indicated that visibility could drop to less than a quarter mile, raising the likelihood of accidents and complicating commute routines, especially in the early hours. Residents and travelers were advised to remain vigilant until conditions improved.
Affected Areas and Conditions
The dense fog advisory was in effect through mid-morning on Tuesday, covering a substantial portion of Southern California. Major urban centers impacted included:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Santa Barbara
- Ventura
- Orange County
Highways 1 and 101, vital routes in the area, were also mentioned as potentially dangerous due to low visibility. The advisory noted specific locations such as:
- Montecito
- Goleta
- Oxnard
- Camarillo
Warnings and Safety Precautions
The NWS San Diego office reiterated similar warnings for areas in Orange and San Diego counties. Cities affected included:
- Garden Grove
- Irvine
- Carlsbad
- Oceanside
- Santa Ana
- San Diego
Visibility throughout these areas was expected to remain at a quarter mile or less until at least 8 a.m. local time. The primary risk highlighted in these advisories was low visibility, which could lead to hazardous driving conditions. Motorists were encouraged to adopt the following safety measures:
- Use headlights while driving.
- Reduce speed significantly.
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
- If visibility deteriorates, pull off the road and turn off vehicle lights.
According to the NWS, as temperatures rise later in the morning, the fog is expected to dissipate, restoring normal visibility for all road users.
