Freezing Fog Advisory Issued for Oregon’s Lower Columbia Basin and Blue Mountains
On Wednesday night at 9:49 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a freezing fog advisory for the Lower Columbia Basin and the Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains, effective until Thursday at 10 a.m. The advisory warns of "visibility one quarter mile or less," which could lead to hazardous driving conditions.
The NWS highlights the dangers associated with freezing fog, noting that minuscule liquid droplets can freeze upon contact with surfaces at temperatures at or below freezing. This phenomenon can greatly reduce visibility and create perilous conditions for drivers, boaters, and pilots. Those who must travel during this advisory are urged to slow down, utilize low-beam headlights, and maintain ample distance from other vehicles.
Freezing fog forms under clear skies when the Earth’s surface cools, leading to water vapor condensing into tiny droplets that can remain in liquid form due to supercooling. These droplets can crystallize into rime ice on various surfaces, including roads, infrastructure, and vegetation.
In addition to freezing fog, black ice—an almost invisible layer of glaze ice—often forms on roadways, posing significant risks for drivers. Its transparency makes it difficult to detect, exacerbating hazardous driving conditions.
To ensure safety during freezing fog conditions, the NWS recommends avoiding travel when possible, driving at reduced speeds, and using vehicle headlights for visibility. Flight operations should also be cautious, as ice can form on aircraft surfaces, necessitating effective de-icing measures.
As conditions evolve, drivers and travelers are encouraged to stay alert and informed. Knowledge and vigilance are vital to navigating the complexities posed by freezing fog.
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