UPDATE: A severe weather alert has been issued for dense fog affecting parts of Pennsylvania until 12:30 AM on July 15, 2025. The National Weather Service confirmed this advisory at 8:27 PM Thursday, warning residents in Elk, Clearfield, Cambria, and Somerset counties to exercise extreme caution.
Visibility is drastically reduced to less than a quarter of a mile, creating hazardous driving conditions. Authorities emphasize that the fog, combined with low-hanging clouds, are severely impacting visibility, particularly in elevated areas.
“Clouds are touching the tops of the ridges this evening, making a fog that is reducing visibilities,”
the weather service stated. Travelers are urged to be prepared for sudden changes in visibility and potential fog settling into the valleys.
As this fog is expected to linger overnight, conditions may only slowly improve by Friday morning. If you must venture out, the National Weather Service advises following critical safety tips:
– **Moderate your speed:** Driving slower can help you react better to sudden visibility changes.
– **Visibility priority:** Keep headlights on low beam to reduce glare.
– **Maintain safe gaps:** Ensure adequate distance from the vehicle in front of you.
– **Stay in your lane:** Be mindful of lane markings, which may be obscured by fog.
– **Zero visibility strategy:** If visibility drops to zero, pull over safely and wait until conditions improve.
– **Limited parking options:** Be cautious of parked cars that may be harder to spot in fog.
The urgency of this weather alert cannot be overstated. Residents and travelers in affected areas should remain vigilant and prioritize safety. With reports of dangerous driving conditions, sharing this information can help others stay informed and safe.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops and conditions evolve.
