What is Super Fog? Know about the wildfire smoke and dense fog mixture which caused 158-car pile up on Interstate 55
Louisiana highway, a combination of wildfire smoke and dense fog led to a 158-car pileup on Interstate 55. This catastrophic event has raised concerns about what meteorologists call "super fog," a phenomenon that severely impairs visibility to less than 10 feet.
At least seven people died, and more than 25 others were injured in the accident, which involved multiple cars catching fire and a truck carrying a hazardous liquid. The National Weather Service has classified this kind of fog as «super fog,» a term gaining notoriety for its potential to cause massive pileups and other disasters.
What is Super Fog?
Super fog, as seen in the Louisiana accident, occurs when a thick mixture of wildfire smoke combines with dense fog. It significantly impairs visibility on roadways, often creating conditions where drivers can't see more than a few feet ahead. This dangerous weather phenomenon poses a severe threat to public safety, and this event is not the first time it has wreaked havoc on the road.
Super Fog: Causes and Consequences
Super fog is often the result of wet materials such as brush, leaves, and trees catching fire during wildfires. The rising smoke mixes with cooler air, creating conditions of low visibility. This natural phenomenon can be particularly dangerous on highways and is known to cause large-scale pileups. The phenomenon has been responsible for several multi-fatality accidents in the southern United States, often near creek beds or drainage ditches, which are typical features in swampy areas, like those near New Orleans.
Super Fog's impact on Interstate 55
The tragic pileup on Interstate 55 serves as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of super fog. As the disaster unfolded, the area became
