Freezing Fog Blankets Oklahoma and North Texas as Drivers Face Hazardous Visibility Early Saturday
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — A broad stretch of Oklahoma and northern Texas is waking up to dangerous freezing fog, bringing sharply reduced visibility and slick road surfaces through 10 a.m. CST Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Norman.
Hazardous Visibility Across High-Impact Travel Routes
The Freezing Fog Advisory spans from Alfalfa and Grant counties in north-central Oklahoma down through Comanche, Stephens, and Tillman counties, extending southward into north Texas, including communities near Wichita Falls, Vernon, and Quanah.
Forecasters warn that visibility may drop below one-quarter mile, particularly before sunrise, creating sudden and unpredictable travel hazards.
Temperatures hovering near or below freezing are causing moisture to freeze on contact, which increases the risk of icy patches on bridges, overpasses, and untreated rural roads.
Previous Dense Fog Advisory Upgraded as Temperatures Drop
A previously issued Dense Fog Advisory for central Oklahoma has now been replaced with a Freezing Fog Advisory as rapidly cooling air has turned lingering moisture into thin sheets of ice on elevated surfaces. This shift significantly raises the risk level for early-morning motorists.
Traffic officials note that even a small amount of ice can lead to abrupt loss of control, especially on commonly traveled interstates.
Cities Most Affected and Travel Safety Recommendations
Communities including Enid, Weatherford, Clinton, Altus, Lawton, and Oklahoma City are experiencing the thickest fog coverage. Drivers using Interstates 35, 40, and 44 may encounter shifting pockets of visibility that can change from clear to near-whiteout within seconds.
Motorists are urged to:
- Slow down and allow extra travel time
- Use headlights instead of high beams
- Increase following distance
- Be alert for icy patches on bridges and elevated roadways
Conditions are expected to gradually improve as temperatures rise above freezing later in the morning and the fog lifts.
Outlook Through the Morning
Weather officials expect steady improvement after sunrise, but warn that isolated slick spots may linger even after fog dissipates. Travelers heading out early are encouraged to stay updated on local advisories and monitor changing roadway conditions.
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