Weather alert for Cherokee and Clay counties until Friday morning

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.

A report from the NWS Morristown TN was issued on Friday at 5:38 a.m. for dense fog until 9 a.m. for Cherokee and Clay counties.

"Dense fog will affect parts of East Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and southwest North Carolina this morning, mainly near area lakes and rivers. When driving this morning, use caution as visibility may drop quickly to less than a quarter mile. Use low beam headlights and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. The fog is expected to lift between 8 and 9 a.m.," says the NWS.

This alert is in effect until 9 a.m.

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS

If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:

Reduce speed:

• Slow down and allocate extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Avoid high-beams:

• Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep your distance:

• Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

• To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road's lane markings as a guide.

Zero visibility strategy:

• In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.

Limited parking options:

• If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these precautions from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots North Carolina

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 5:41 AM.