A weather advisory for patchy fog and ice in New York until Sunday morning

The National Weather Service issued a patchy fog and black ice warning at 1:33 a.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. for North Herkimer, South Herkimer, South Fulton, North Saratoga, North Warren, North Washington, West Schenectady, East Schenectady, South Saratoga, West Albany, East Albany, West Rensselaer, East East Rensselaer, West Green, West Colossealum, West green green Ulster, Eastern Ulster, Western Dutchess, Eastern Dutchess, Northern Fulton, Southeast Warren and Southern Washington as well as Hamilton, Montgomery and Schoharie counties.

“With temperatures mostly in the 20s across eastern New York and adjacent western New England, previously slush water may refreeze, especially on untreated surfaces. In addition, patchy fog may form, particularly in parts of the Mohawk and Hudson River valleys. Motorists and pedestrians should use extra caution through this morning and be prepared to encounter icy surfaces and reduced visibility.”

Navigating in Fog: Safety Tips from the Weather Service

If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety tips:

Reduce speed:

• Slow down and give yourself more time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility Priority:

• Make sure your vehicle is visible to others with dipped headlights that also activate your taillights. Use fog lights if available.

Avoid high beams:

• Do not use high beams as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Maintain safe spaces:

• Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.

Stay in your lane:

• Use lane markings as a guide to stay in the correct lane.

Zero Visibility Strategy:

• In the event of near-zero visibility due to thick fog, activate your hazard lights and find a safe place, such as a nearby commercial parking lot, to pull over and stop.

Limited parking options:

• If there is no parking available, pull the vehicle as close to the side of the road as possible. When you stop, turn off all lights except hazard lights, apply the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure that your tail lights are off, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By following these weather service precautions, you can navigate fog more safely, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and ensure your personal safety.