Freezing fog is turning morning commutes into a slow, white-knuckle crawl. Across parts of the Southeast and the central United States, dense fog is meeting subfreezing air. That mix is laying down a thin glaze of ice while visibility drops to a few hundred feet or less. It looks calm, but it is not safe. ❄️
Advisories are active this morning in Richmond, Virginia, along the I‑95 corridor in Virginia and North Carolina, in Middle Tennessee, and around Oklahoma City into north Texas. A strong Arctic blast is the driver. It pulled polar air south, then overnight calm and moisture did the rest. If you are heading out early, plan for extra time or consider delaying.
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What is freezing fog?
Freezing fog is regular fog with a dangerous twist. Fog droplets stay liquid, even though the air is below freezing. These supercooled droplets freeze the instant they touch a cold surface.
That quick freeze creates rime, a frosty coating, or a thin glaze we call black ice. The glaze can be nearly invisible. Your car may look fine, yet the bridge deck ahead is slick like glass. Visibility also drops fast in fog, so drivers see hazards later than usual. That one-two punch is why freezing fog is so risky.
Where and why now
This morning’s alerts stretch from the Mid‑Atlantic into the South and the Southern Plains. Richmond and nearby counties expect icy untreated surfaces through mid morning. Inland Virginia and North Carolina near I‑95 are reporting reduced visibility and slick patches. Middle Tennessee has a minor advisory that may linger into early afternoon as fog lifts slowly. In Oklahoma City and into north Texas, visibility can plunge quickly near dawn, right when roads are coldest.
The setup is classic. Polar air moved in during an Arctic outbreak. Skies cleared overnight, winds eased, and surface temperatures dropped. Moist ground and rivers added just enough humidity. Fog formed at ground level, then the supercooled droplets began to freeze on contact. The cold pattern could stick around into mid December, so this may not be a one day issue.
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Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads. It can be clear, thin, and almost impossible to see at speed.
How to travel safely
Slow down. That is rule number one. Fog hides danger, and ice removes traction. Together, they demand patience. Headlights help others see you. Do not use high beams, they bounce off droplets and cut visibility.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance by at least four seconds
- Use low beams and clear all windows before driving
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering, coast gently through turns
- Watch bridge decks, ramps, and untreated roads first
If you can, delay trips until the advisory expires or crews treat roads. City buses and trains can be safer in these conditions. If you walk or bike, assume sidewalks and bike lanes have icy patches.
If you must go, check a live traffic map and a nearby weather station first. A 30 minute delay can mean safer pavement and clearer skies.
Climate context and sustainability
An Arctic blast during a warming climate can feel confusing. Here is the simple picture. A warmer planet still has winter. In fact, rapid warming in the Arctic can disrupt typical wind patterns at times. That can let cold air spill south, while other places run warm. Scientists continue to study these links, but the takeaway is clear. Cold snaps can still be sharp in a warming world.
Freezing fog also raises a sustainability challenge. We rely on road salt to fight ice, but heavy salt use harms rivers, soils, and urban trees. Smarter choices can keep us safe and protect waterways.
- Pre-treat key routes with brine, which uses less salt
- Use alternatives like beet juice blends where practical
- Target problem spots instead of blanket spreading
Cities can also invest in better alerts, smart sensors on bridges, and shaded-road treatments. Commuters can plan flexible start times on high risk mornings. Small changes add up, for safety and for the environment. 🌱
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes freezing fog different from regular fog?
A: It contains supercooled droplets that freeze on contact with cold surfaces. That creates rime and black ice, along with low visibility.
Q: How long does freezing fog usually last?
A: It often lifts by late morning as the sun warms the surface and light winds mix the air. On very cold, calm days, it can linger into early afternoon.
Q: Is black ice from freezing fog worse than from freezing rain?
A: Both are dangerous. Freezing fog often creates thin, patchy glaze that is hard to see, especially on bridges and ramps.
Q: What is the safest way to clear my driveway in these conditions?
A: Shovel first, use sand for grip, then apply a small amount of pet safe deicer. Avoid over salting to protect nearby plants and streams.
Q: Will climate change make freezing fog more common?
A: The science is still evolving. Cold snaps will still occur, and calm, moist nights will favor fog. Local factors, like valleys and river corridors, matter most.
Freezing fog looks quiet from the front porch, yet it can turn roads into trapdoors. If your area is under an advisory, wait for treatment, drive gently, and watch the bridges. The Arctic air will ease, and so will the fog, but patience this morning is the greenest and safest choice.
