Dense Fog Sparks Warning For Drivers Across Multiple States

The National Weather Service has issued dense fog advisories affecting several states through Monday morning, warning of hazardous driving conditions.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dense fog advisories affecting multiple counties across several states, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Ohio, and Oregon. The NWS has warned drivers to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead due to low visibility that could make driving conditions hazardous, potentially impacting holiday traffic.

Why it matters

Dense fog can significantly reduce visibility, making driving extremely dangerous and increasing the risk of accidents. This widespread fog advisory covers a large geographic area, potentially affecting a high volume of holiday travelers and commuters across the Midwest and other regions.

The details

The dense fog is expected to reduce visibility to a quarter of a mile or less in many affected areas until Monday morning. In some regions, visibility could be limited to one or two miles. Parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio could also experience freezing fog, creating slippery road conditions. The NWS warns that the fog could result in hazardous waves and reduced visibility for maritime navigation in parts of Minnesota.

  • The dense fog advisories are in effect until Monday morning.
  • In Minnesota, strong winds reaching 40-60 mph are also expected from Tuesday into Wednesday, which could further impact navigation and visibility.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the United States.

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The takeaway

This widespread dense fog advisory highlights the importance for drivers to exercise caution and adjust their behavior when visibility is severely reduced, in order to prevent accidents and ensure safe travel during the holiday season.