Lake Charles, Louisiana – Near-zero visibility will blanket much of southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas overnight, creating dangerous driving and boating conditions through Saturday morning.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. tonight until 10 a.m. CST Saturday for central and southwest Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria and Morgan City, as well as southeast Texas communities such as Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange. Upper Jefferson County has been added to the advisory.
Visibility may drop to a quarter mile or less, especially along I-10, Highway 90 and low-lying rural roads. According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, the fog could become locally dense and persistent, particularly near the coast and along area waterways.
Marine interests face additional hazards. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. through noon Saturday for Sabine Lake, Calcasieu Lake, Vermilion Bay and adjacent Gulf waters from Cameron, Louisiana, to High Island, Texas. Visibility over the water may fall to a quarter nautical mile or less, impacting ship channels and nearshore routes.
Drivers should slow down, use low-beam headlights and leave extra distance between vehicles. Sudden drops in visibility are likely near bridges, marshes and waterways. Boaters should rely on radar and navigation equipment, use proper fog signals and ensure running lights are on.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Saturday morning as fog lifts inland. Until then, officials urge caution and recommend delaying travel if possible.
