New Orleans, LA – Dense fog is creating hazardous travel and navigation conditions across Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi early Wednesday, with advisories in effect for both land areas and coastal lakes.
According to the National Weather Service in New Orleans, Dense Fog Advisories remain in effect until 9 AM Wednesday, covering a broad region from Baton Rouge and the Northshore to New Orleans, the River Parishes, coastal communities, and inland stretches of southern Mississippi. A separate marine advisory is also in effect for Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas until 9 AM, where visibility may fall to one nautical mile or less.
Forecasters warn that widespread visibility reductions to one-quarter mile or less will make driving difficult before sunrise. In areas near active or smoldering fires, visibility may drop to near zero due to the combination of fog and smoke, creating especially dangerous pockets along rural roadways and low-lying terrain.
Marine impacts are expected as well. According to the NWS, vessels navigating Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas should use caution, operate fog signals, and ensure running lights and radar are active.
The fog developed overnight under calm winds and moist air trapped near the surface. Conditions are expected to steadily improve after sunrise as temperatures rise and fog begins to lift.
Drivers are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and leave extra space between vehicles. Morning commuters around New Orleans, Metairie, Slidell, Hammond, Gonzales, and coastal parishes may experience delays.
Travelers should monitor short-term updates and be ready for sudden visibility drops along I-10, I-12, US-90, and other major roadways.
