Hilton Head, January 9, 2026
A Dense Fog Advisory is active in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, impacting visibility and creating hazardous driving conditions. Motorists are advised to exercise caution as visibility may drop to a quarter-mile or less. This advisory is part of a broader weather pattern affecting various regions throughout the state. Drivers are recommended to reduce their speed, use low-beam headlights, and maintain greater following distances to ensure their safety. Staying informed through local weather advisories is essential during these changing conditions.
Hilton Head
Lowcountry Under Dense Fog Advisory This Morning
A Dense Fog Advisory is currently active for the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, including areas around Hilton Head, until Friday morning, January 9, 2026. The advisory, last updated at 12:52 AM on Friday, warns of limited visibility, creating hazardous driving conditions. Motorists can expect visibility to drop to a quarter-mile or less across affected areas. This significantly increases the risk of travel, necessitating heightened caution on roadways.
Widespread Fog Affects South Carolina This Week
This current advisory for the Lowcountry is part of a broader pattern of dense fog that has impacted various regions across South Carolina throughout the week. Earlier in the week, the Midlands experienced similar conditions with a dense fog advisory in effect until Monday morning, January 5, 2026. Prior to that, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, both the Midlands and the Upstate region of South Carolina were under dense fog advisories, leading to limited visibility. Coastal Jasper also prepared for dense fog until Sunday morning, January 4, 2026.
Understanding Dense Fog Conditions
Dense fog forms when moisture condenses close to the ground, reducing visibility dramatically. It is characterized by visibility typically falling below a quarter-mile. This atmospheric phenomenon often occurs during periods of calm winds and high humidity, especially after rainfall or when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface. The combination of these factors can lead to widespread and persistent fog banks, making travel challenging.
Navigating Foggy Roads Safely
When encountering dense fog, drivers are strongly advised to take several precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Reduce Speed
The primary recommendation is to significantly reduce driving speed. This provides more time to react to unexpected obstacles or sudden stops by other vehicles, which is crucial when visibility is severely impaired.
Use Low-Beam Headlights
Drivers should only use their low-beam headlights. High-beam headlights reflect off the fog, creating glare and worsening visibility rather than improving it. If available, fog lights can also be beneficial as they are designed to cut through fog more effectively.
Increase Following Distance
Maintaining a much greater distance between your vehicle and the one ahead is imperative. Standard following distances are insufficient in foggy conditions, as stopping distances increase dramatically on wet or slick roads that often accompany fog.
Avoid Sudden Braking
To prevent potential rear-end collisions, it is important to slow down gradually and avoid sudden braking. This allows drivers behind you sufficient time to react to your decrease in speed.
Stay Alert and Aware
Drivers should be extra vigilant for other vehicles, pedestrians, and wildlife that may be difficult to see until very close. Listening for traffic by opening your window slightly can also provide additional cues about your surroundings.
Pull Over Safely if Necessary
If visibility becomes too poor to safely continue driving, the safest course of action is to pull completely off the road to a safe location. Once off the roadway, turn off your headlights to prevent other drivers from mistaking your vehicle for the road, and turn on your hazard lights to alert others to your presence.
Stay Informed on Local Weather
Residents throughout South Carolina are encouraged to stay updated on the latest weather advisories from official sources, particularly during periods of changeable weather conditions. While the current advisory specifically targets the Lowcountry, fog can develop unexpectedly in other areas, and conditions can change rapidly. Staying informed helps ensure preparedness and safety for all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current weather alert in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina?
A Dense Fog Advisory is currently active for the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, including areas around Hilton Head, until Friday morning, January 9, 2026.
When was the Lowcountry dense fog advisory last updated?
The Dense Fog Advisory for the Lowcountry was last updated at 12:52 AM on Friday, January 9, 2026.
What are the expected visibility conditions during the dense fog advisory in the Lowcountry?
Motorists can expect visibility to drop to a quarter-mile or less across affected areas.
Have other parts of South Carolina experienced dense fog this week?
Yes, other parts of South Carolina, including the Midlands and the Upstate region, experienced dense fog advisories earlier in the week, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and the Midlands until Monday morning, January 5, 2026. Coastal Jasper also prepared for dense fog until Sunday morning, January 4, 2026.
What are the key safety measures for driving in dense fog?
Key safety measures for driving in dense fog include reducing speed, using low-beam headlights, increasing following distance, and avoiding sudden braking.
Dense Fog Advisory Key Features (State-level)
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Affected Region (Current) | Lowcountry, South Carolina (including Hilton Head area) | State-level |
| Advisory Status (Current) | Active until Friday morning, January 9, 2026 | State-level |
| Last Update (Current) | January 9, 2026, at 12:52 AM | State-level |
| Expected Visibility | Limited, to a quarter-mile or less | State-level |
| Recently Affected Regions (Earlier in week) | Midlands, Upstate, Coastal Jasper, South Carolina | State-level |
| Driving Recommendation | Reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, increase following distance, avoid sudden braking | State-level |
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