Axios New Orleans reported that a “super fog” of marsh fire smoke and dense fog triggered at least two dozen traffic accidents Monday, including multi-car pileups involving over 100 cars on interstate roads that killed two people and injured at least 30.
The combination of thick fog and smoke made it practically difficult for drivers to see the road, which resulted in a number of automobile accidents and pileups on Louisiana’s interstate roads. (Source: USA Today)
Travel Delays and Traffic Roads Bought by Super Fog
At times on Monday, the 24-mile causeway across Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans and other sections of Interstates 55 and 10 west of New Orleans was closed, causing travel delays as a result of super fog. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development told Nola.com that dense fog made it “nearly impossible” for vehicles to see and kept road visibility low, closing the Causeway bridge in both directions. Multiple collisions on Interstate 55 (both directions) between Ruddock and Manchac are being investigated by Louisiana State Police according to a Facebook transportation alert on Monday afternoon. Drivers should avoid the region if possible and take alternate routes because there is an area affected by the super fog.
Regional wetland fire smoke and fog create super fog, according to the National Weather Service. The weather agency recommended locals and visitors to stay away until the super fog lifted and roads cleared. According to the weather service, smoke is still likely in some areas owing to various marsh and small fires, but super fog is not expected to be a major concern tonight because winds are expected to be considerably stronger.
The NWS meteorologist told Nola.com that marsh wildfire smoke is inflicting more damage than fog, which is common in Louisiana this time of year. Air pressure and lack of rainfall will keep it foggy in the following days, the official said. The smoke is from a July lightning-caused wildfire near the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in New Orleans, according to WDSU News. Authorities have failed to extinguish the fire because it is in a hard-to-access swamp. According to local media, the peat, rotting vegetation, burning has caused smoke and a chemical-like smell. The National Parks Service reports a Barataria Preserve fire. Nola.com stated that it is at 52% containment and not adding to the New Orleans fire.
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