METRO DETROIT (WWJ) - Drivers beware: thick, swirling fog is causing dangerous driving conditions and slow commutes as sunrise approaches in Metro Detroit.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for most of the listening area until 10 a.m. Thursday. The affected counties include Huron, Sanilac, St. Clair, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee and Monroe.
WWJ's Mike Campbell reports live from Novi on the Meadowbrook Rd overpass where drivers at the I-696, M-5, I-275 and I-96 junction have been forced to slow down due to dangerous conditions.
"It is a mess because of the construction. Add in this thick fog that we have and right now the folks that are driving from the west to the east are slowing down here at Meadowbrook and it's right at the 275 split, but when I look to the east, I cannot tell you what's slowing them down."
Campbell said visibility is so poor, he can barely make out 100 yards in each direction.
The fog isn't just affecting freeway commutes as surface streets are also reporting thick fog.
"Anywhere you go, it's somewhat disorienting because it's so foggy, it's been described to us as being in a whiteout," Campbell added.
WWJ's Cassandra Llamas-Fossen agrees, saying she began to question her whereabouts several times during her usual commute into Southfield from Farmington Hills.
"You can't make out anything and you begin to second-guess yourself, even though you've driven the route hundreds of times," Llamas-Fossen said. "I also missed my turn into work because I didn't recognize the area."
The NWS service said visibility is down to one quarter of a mile, even less in areas with heavy patches.
"Dense fog will continue to expand in coverage early this morning with widespread fog expected by daybreak. Fog will then begin to dissipate by around 10 a.m.," meteorologists forecasted.
Experts say drivers should slow down, use your headlights and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.