Dense Fog Blankets Maine’s Coastal and Inland Areas 8/19

Photo byNational Weather Service

Drivers Face Hazardous Conditions as Visibility Drops Below Quarter Mile in Dense Fog

CARIBOU — Issued by the National Weather Service at 6:06 AM EDT on Monday, August 19, 2024.

A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued for parts of Interior DownEast Maine and the Penobscot Valley, warning of dangerously low visibility conditions early this morning. The advisory will remain in effect until 10 AM EDT as dense fog continues to create hazardous travel conditions.

Dense Fog Advisory in Effect

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Caribou, Maine issued the alert early Monday morning, citing visibility levels dropping to a quarter-mile or less. Areas impacted by the advisory include Southern Penobscot, Interior Hancock, and Central and Coastal Washington counties.

Impact on Roads and Travel

Commuters and travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving through the fog. The NWS warns that low visibility could result in hazardous driving conditions, especially in areas with heavy traffic or narrow roads. Drivers should reduce speeds, use headlights, and leave extra space between vehicles to prevent accidents.

Key Impact Areas:

• Counties Affected: Southern Penobscot, Interior Hancock, Central Washington, Coastal Hancock, and Coastal Washington counties.
• Timing: The Dense Fog Advisory will remain in effect until 10 AM EDT.
• Conditions: Visibility reduced to a quarter-mile or less, especially along coastal and low-lying areas.

Precautionary Measures for Travelers

Drivers are urged to slow down, use headlights, and keep plenty of distance from other vehicles. The NWS recommends that people plan for extra travel time this morning, especially in areas where visibility may be significantly reduced.

By mid-morning, conditions are expected to improve as the fog lifts, restoring more normal driving conditions.

Outlook for the Coming Days

While the Dense Fog Advisory is the primary concern for today, no further hazardous weather is expected for the rest of the week. The NWS has indicated that no significant weather patterns are forecast from Tuesday through Sunday, providing a reprieve for the affected regions.

Spotter Activation

As always, weather spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather conditions according to the Standard Operating Procedures.

Seek Out Updates

Weather Watches, Warnings & Advisories are frequently updated. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards. Please follow Thumbwind Publications for more local weather and news updates.