Weather Alert: Pea-Souper Fog Blankets Region, Driving Conditions Treacherous

Heads up, folks! If you're planning to venture out this Saturday morning, you'll want to take extra precautions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Dense Fog Advisory, blanketing a significant portion of our region in a thick, soupy mist that's making driving conditions quite treacherous.

This advisory, which went into effect early Saturday, covers a pretty wide swathe: think the Portland and Vancouver metro areas, extending south through the Willamette Valley, and even reaching up into the Lower Columbia region. What does 'dense fog' really mean here? Well, we're talking about visibility dropping to a quarter-mile or even less in some spots. Imagine trying to see clearly when there's a literal wall of white in front of you – it's definitely not ideal for getting around.

Such low visibility, as you might guess, significantly increases the risk of accidents. Driving through a 'pea-souper' like this requires all your attention and then some. It's not just a little bit hazy; it's genuinely difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, or even the lines on the pavement until you're practically right on top of them.

So, what's the game plan? If you absolutely must hit the road, the NWS strongly advises slowing down. Seriously, take it easy. Give yourself plenty of extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. That little buffer zone could be a lifesaver if you suddenly need to stop or react to something unexpected. And please, for the love of all that is good, switch on your low beam headlights. High beams will only reflect off the fog and make it even harder for you to see.

The advisory is expected to remain in place through mid-morning, likely lifting as the sun starts to burn off some of this stubborn moisture. But until then, stay vigilant, stay safe, and maybe enjoy an extra cup of coffee before you head out. Your safety, and the safety of others on the road, truly depends on it.