Due to freezing fog, visibilities as low as a few hundred feet and some slick surfaces across central Illinois until noon

[February 06, 2012]  The National Weather Service in Lincoln released an urgent weather message at 6:57 a.m. Monday. Dense fog and below freezing temperatures will continue to lead to slick spots this morning.

A dense fog advisory is in effect until noon today for the counties of Woodford, Tazewell, McLean, Mason, Logan, DeWitt, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Cass, Menard, Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, Christian, Macon, Moultrie, Douglas, Coles, Edgar and Shelby, including the cities of Bloomington, Normal, Havana, Lincoln, Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Jacksonville, Springfield, Taylorville, Decatur, Charleston, Mattoon and Shelbyville

Timing: The lowest visibilities are expected to be through about 10 a.m. However, areas west of the Interstate 55 corridor will likely continue to see improving visibilities.

Visibility: Many areas will see visibilities less than a quarter-mile, especially through midmorning.

Results: With temperatures below freezing, the fog has been producing a layer of ice and frost. This will cause slick spots on untreated roads, especially on bridges and overpasses. Between this and the rapidly changing visibility, driving this morning will be quite hazardous.

Precautionary, preparedness actions: A dense fog advisory means visibilities will frequently be reduced to less than one-quarter mile. If driving, slow down, use your headlights and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. Be alert for school bus stops, which will not be easily seen in advance.

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For graphical depiction of areas affected, see http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx/.

[Text from National Weather Service, Lincoln office]