Weather alert affecting Eastern North Carolina until Monday morning, says the NWS

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A weather alert was issued by the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC on Monday at 5:40 a.m. for dense fog until 9 a.m. The alert is for Inland Onslow as well as Duplin, Lenoir and Jones counties.

"Patchy dense fog in Duplin, Onslow, Jones, and Lenoir counties could drop visibilities to one quarter mile or less this morning. Fog is expected to lift by 9 a.m.," says the NWS.

This alert is in effect until 9 a.m.

Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions

If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility priority:

• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.

Avoid high-beams:

• Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

• Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

• To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road's lane markings as a guide.

Zero visibility protocol:

• In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business's parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.

No parking options:

• If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 5:44 AM.