What is super fog and what causes it?
7 dead after 'super fog' leads to massive pileup
Louisiana State Police that seven people were confirmed dead, and that number could climb as first responders continue to work their way through a mile-long stretch of wreckage involving 158 vehicles. Multiple crashes on Interstate 55, both north and southbound, have prompted closures in both directions. LiveNOW's Austin Westfall spoke about the crash and the clean up efforts with Sgt. Kate Stegall from LA State Police. More LiveNOW from FOX streaming video
Fog can be extremely hazardous to drivers, boaters and pilots – especially when it's dense.
Every year fog leads to numerous delays on the roads and in the air, and even leads to fatalities. And while there are several different types of fog, super fog can be especially dangerous for drivers.
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What is super fog and what causes super fog?
(FOX Weather)
According to the National Weather Service, super fog forms when a mixture of smoke and moisture released from damp, smoldering materials such as brush, leaves and trees, mixes with cooler, saturated air.
That, the NWS says, causes super fog and can lower visibility to less than 10 feet.
With light wind, super fog settles through low terrain areas such as river beds and drainage ditches, but super fog is extremely dangerous when it's over highways and has been the cause of numerous fatal multi-vehicle crashes.
Such was the case in central Florida in 2022 and most recently, outside New Orleans on Monday.
To reach accident victims, fire trucks had to use ladders from the marsh below. (FOX 8 NOLA / FOX Weather)
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture says super fog can be a threat to motorists at any time of the time, especially in parts of the southern United States.
While encounters with super fog don't happen often, the NWS suggests drivers be aware of steps they can take if they find themselves driving through fog or super fog.
Experts suggest:
- Drive with your lights on low beam
- Reduce your speed and allow for plenty of room between you and other vehicles
- Avoid crossing traffic
- Turn on your windshield wipers and defrosters to obtain maximum vision
- Listen for traffic that is not visible to the eye