Rhinelander, Wisconsin – Near-zero visibility and patchy ice could make early Saturday travel dangerous across northern Wisconsin as dense freezing fog settles in overnight.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect from midnight through 9 a.m. CST Saturday for Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Lincoln and Langlade counties. Cities including Rhinelander, Eagle River, Antigo, Merrill and Crandon are expected to see visibility drop to a quarter mile or less.
Drivers may encounter rapidly changing visibility, especially on rural highways and low-lying areas. According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, temperatures will fall below freezing overnight, allowing the fog to leave a thin glaze of ice on roads, bridges and sidewalks.
That combination of dense fog and freezing moisture could create slick spots on untreated surfaces during the early morning commute. Elevated roadways and bridges are most vulnerable.
Motorists should slow down, use low-beam headlights and allow extra following distance. Officials recommend avoiding sudden braking and watching for black ice in shaded areas.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after mid-morning Saturday as visibility increases. However, lingering slick patches may persist in some areas.
Residents should allow extra travel time early Saturday and use caution when walking on untreated sidewalks and driveways.
