Poplar Bluff, MO – Dangerous driving conditions are expected overnight into early Wednesday across southern Missouri and the Ozark Foothills as dense freezing fog settles over the region, sharply reducing visibility and creating the potential for icy surfaces.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Springfield and Paducah, Freezing Fog Advisories remain in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday for multiple counties in south-central and southeast Missouri. Areas under the advisory include Douglas, Howell, Shannon, Taney, Ozark, Oregon, Butler, Carter, Ripley, and Wayne counties.
Forecasters say visibility may drop to one mile or less across the south-central Ozarks and as low as one-quarter mile in the southeast Missouri counties covered by the Paducah office. The combination of dense fog and temperatures below freezing will allow ice to form on bridges, overpasses, untreated roads, and sidewalks.
Communities such as West Plains, Ava, Branson, Alton, Thayer, Winona, Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, Van Buren, and Piedmont may encounter rapidly changing road conditions before sunrise. Even a thin layer of ice can create hazardous spots, especially on elevated or shaded surfaces where moisture freezes quickly.
The freezing fog is expected to linger through the morning commute before gradually lifting by mid-morning as temperatures rise.
Drivers are urged to slow down, use headlights, avoid sudden braking, and leave extra distance between vehicles. Officials warn that conditions may vary significantly over short distances.
Have you seen freezing fog where you are tonight? How are the roads in your area?
