Weather alert issued for dense fog in Eastern North Carolina until Thursday morning

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The NWS Wilmington NC issued a weather alert at 4:57 a.m. on Thursday for dense fog until 8 a.m. The alert is for Inland Pender, Inland New Hanover and Inland Brunswick as well as Robeson, Bladen and Columbus counties.

"Areas of fog have developed tonight with the fog banks slowly expanding as the night goes on. The fog may become locally dense, reducing visibilities to one quarter mile or less on area roadways," explains the NWS.

The NWS comments, "If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed."

This alert is in effect until 8 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:

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allow 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 a safe distance:

• Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.

Stay in your lane:

• Use the road's lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.

Visibility near zero:

• In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business's parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.

No parking options:

• If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots North Carolina

This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 5:01 AM.