Dense Fog and Severe Weather Update: January 2, 2023

Click HERE and HERE for an update concerning the dense fog hazard tonight in addition to the severe weather threat on Tuesday, January 3rd.

Changes from previous update:
The threat of severe weather has increased for Tuesday while the risk for heavy rainfall remains unchanged from yesterday's forecast.

Overview:
WHAT: DENSE FOG; ENHANCED RISK of Severe Weather; MARGINAL RISK of Flash Flooding

WHEN: Dense fog today through 9-10 AM inland and midday along the coast. Severe weather and heavy rainfall threat will be from early Tuesday morning through Tuesday night but the greatest risk is expected from late morning through sunset Tuesday.

WHERE: All of the area for fog. Same for severe weather but the greatest risk will be along and north of I-10/12.

CONFIDENCE: High confidence for fog today. Confidence in the redevelopment of dense fog tonight is moderate but there is uncertainty if the dense fog will be quite as intense and widespread as it was last night, especially further inland. There is medium confidence for severe weather on Tuesday as confidence has increased regarding potential for severe storms. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the exact timing and placement of these storms and there could be more than one round to track.

Impacts:
The main impacts from the dense fog will be:
Poor visibility:

• Near-zero visibility will make travel extremely hazardous
• Numerous accidents and travel restrictions (e.g., bridge closures) from the dense fog will lengthen commute times

The main thunderstorm threats will be:
Damaging Winds:

• Wind gusts greater than 60 mph will be possible
• Trees and powerlines could be damaged and lead to isolated/scattered power outages

Large Hail:

• Large hail 1 inch in diameter or greater will be possible

Tornadoes:

• Tornadoes will be possible, a few may be strong

Rainfall:

• Locally heavy rainfall could lead to ponding of water in low lying areas and areas of poor drainage.