Mobile, Alabama – Drivers across the Gulf Coast are facing near-zero visibility early Thursday, with dense fog reducing sightlines to a quarter mile or less and creating dangerous conditions during the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Mobile, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. CDT for much of southwest Alabama and northwest Florida. Visibility has dropped below 0.25 miles in many locations, especially along coastal and low-lying areas.
The hardest-hit areas include Mobile, Daphne, Gulf Shores, Pensacola, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach. Major travel routes such as I-10, U.S. 98, and Highway 90 are seeing rapidly changing visibility, particularly near bays, bridges, and inland waterways. Drivers may encounter sudden whiteout conditions with little warning.
Officials urge motorists to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles. High beams should be avoided, as they can worsen visibility in dense fog. Allow extra travel time and be prepared for sudden stops.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after sunrise, but patchy dense fog may linger through mid-morning. Additional advisories could be issued if visibility remains low beyond 10 a.m.
