Hastings, Nebraska – Drivers across central and south-central Nebraska faced sharply reduced visibility early Saturday as patchy dense fog settled in behind departing low clouds, creating hazardous travel conditions along major highways.
According to the National Weather Service office in Hastings, visibility dropped to as low as one-quarter mile in spots, particularly along the western edge of clearing stratus. The fog has been most persistent from Ord to Kearney and extending south toward Stockton, with conditions expected to gradually improve between 9 and 11 a.m.
Highway cameras showed fog obscuring stretches of Interstate 80 near Gothenburg and the Darr exit, while similar conditions were reported along Highway 6 near Oxford. Dawson County saw early improvement, though nearby rural roads and low-lying areas remained vulnerable to sudden visibility drops. Law enforcement and transportation officials urged motorists to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and use low-beam headlights to avoid glare.
The fog developed as light winds and lingering moisture became trapped near the surface overnight, a setup common during winter mornings following cloud cover. Travelers heading out early for weekend activities were advised to delay departures if possible or remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
Visibility is expected to continue improving late this morning as clouds break and mixing increases, though additional advisories could be issued if fog lingers longer than expected in localized areas.
