Columbia, SC, September 29, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog warning for numerous counties in and around Columbia, SC, affecting visibility significantly until 10 a.m. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines while traveling. The warning covers several areas, including major highways where visibility is reduced to a quarter mile or less. Updates indicate conditions are expected to improve shortly after sunrise.
Columbia, SC: NWS Issues Warnings for Dense Fog Across Multiple Counties in the Southeast
The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC has issued a warning for dense fog affecting several counties in the region. The alert, updated on Sunday at 6:02 a.m., will remain in effect until 10 a.m..
The warning impacts a wide area that includes Northern Lancaster, Southern Lancaster, Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Southeastern Orangeburg, Chesterfield, McCormick, Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, Richland, Lee, Aiken, Sumter, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, and Bamberg counties.
According to surface observations, satellite imagery, and local webcams, patchy dense fog is reported across east-central Georgia and central South Carolina. Visibility can be reduced to as low as a quarter mile or less, particularly along major highways including I-26, I-20, and I-95.
Conditions are expected to improve soon after sunrise, but the NWS advises drivers to exercise caution while traveling during this period. Drivers traveling in foggy conditions should adhere to specific safety guidelines to enhance their safety:
- Moderate your speed.
- Prioritize visibility.
- Avoid using high beams.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Stay in your lane.
- Follow zero visibility protocols.
- Be aware of limited parking options.
By following these recommendations, drivers can navigate foggy conditions more safely and significantly reduce the risk of accidents. The NWS emphasizes the importance of caution during such hazardous weather conditions to ensure public safety.
Background Context
Dense fog is a common weather phenomenon that can arise due to temperature differences and humidity levels, especially during the early morning hours. The NWS closely monitors weather conditions and issues alerts when visibility becomes dangerously low. This warning is vital for ensuring the safety of motorists in areas prone to sudden fog conditions.
FAQ Section
What areas are affected by the dense fog warning?
The alert affects the counties of Northern Lancaster, Southern Lancaster, Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Southeastern Orangeburg, Chesterfield, McCormick, Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, Richland, Lee, Aiken, Sumter, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, and Bamberg.
What is the expected visibility during the dense fog?
Visibilities can be as low as a quarter mile or less, particularly along the I-26, I-20, and I-95 corridors.
Until when is the dense fog warning in effect?
The alert is set to remain in effect until 10 a.m.
What safety tips does the NWS suggest for driving in fog?
Drivers should moderate their speed, prioritize visibility, avoid using high beams, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, stay in their lane, follow zero visibility protocols, and be aware of limited parking options.
Key Features of the Fog Alert
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Issuing Agency | National Weather Service, Columbia SC |
| Time of Alert | Updated on Sunday at 6:02 a.m. |
| Expiration Time | 10 a.m. on the same day |
| Affected Counties | Northern Lancaster, Southern Lancaster, Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Southeastern Orangeburg, Chesterfield, McCormick, Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, Richland, Lee, Aiken, Sumter, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, and Bamberg |
| Visibility | As low as a quarter mile or less |
| Highway Corridors of Concern | I-26, I-20, I-95 |
| Driving Recommendations | Moderate speed, prioritize visibility, avoid high beams, keep distance, stay in lane, follow protocols, be aware of parking |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit South Carolina
Severe Weather Alert for Columbia, SC with Expected Flooding
Severe Winter Weather Expected to Hit Columbia, SC
Dense Fog Advisory Issues for Central South Carolina
Wind Advisory Alert for South Carolina Residents
Gila County Businesses Embrace Digital Marketing Innovations in 2025
Unprecedented Tornado Warning Causes Panic in San Francisco
Shocking Morning in San Francisco: Tornado Warning Rocks the City!
Dense Fog Alerts Issued for Ten States as Hazardous Driving Conditions Loom
Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Dense Fog
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Fog Safety Tips
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Scholar: Dense Fog Effects
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fog
- WLTX
- Google News: Dense Fog Advisory
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
