Lumberton, NC / Florence, SC – Early-morning commuters across parts of North Carolina and South Carolina are facing dangerous driving conditions Monday as freezing fog reduces visibility and creates slick roads, prompting multiple weather advisories from the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington and Columbia, a Freezing Fog Advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. EST Monday, impacting portions of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. Forecasters warn visibility could drop below one mile, with some areas seeing less than a half mile, especially on rural roads, bridges, and overpasses.
In North Carolina, the advisory includes Robeson County, affecting communities such as Lumberton. In South Carolina, impacted areas include Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, and Chesterfield counties, with cities such as Bennettsville, McColl, Cheraw, Pageland, Florence, Hartsville, and Darlington included in the alert area.
Weather officials say freezing fog forms when moisture condenses near the ground while surface temperatures remain at or below freezing. This can lead to ice forming on roadways, even when precipitation is not falling. Bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, and driveways are especially vulnerable to becoming slick.
The National Weather Service warns that low visibility and icy patches could make driving conditions hazardous, particularly during the morning commute. Drivers are urged to slow down, use headlights, and increase following distance. Pedestrians are also advised to use caution due to the risk of icy surfaces.
Conditions are expected to improve after sunrise as temperatures rise and fog dissipates. Until then, officials stress extra caution for anyone traveling early Monday across the affected areas of the Carolinas.
