A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 1:43 a.m. EST for dense fog until 9 a.m. EST for Mason, Lake, Osceola, Clare, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Muskegon, Montcalm and Gratiot counties.

“Drizzle and patchy dense fog continue to develop across lower Michigan this morning. Near and north of M46, road and air temperatures below freezing will support the potential for areas of slick conditions on area roadways. Visibilities may also drop to one quarter mile or less at times in dense fog. Temperatures will warm above freezing by 10am Thursday morning. Be prepared for changing visibilities over short distances and slick spots on area roadways,” according to the weather service.

Guidance from the weather service for navigating foggy conditions

If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Reduce speed:

• Slow down and allocate 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 available, employ your fog lights.

Avoid high-beams:

• Refrain from using high-beam lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.

Keep your distance:

• Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

• Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.

Zero visibility protocol:

• In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.

Limited 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 are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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New Year’s Eve is one of five holidays when Michigan state law permits the use of fireworks. From 11 a.m. Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, consumer-grade fireworks, like sparklers, smoke bombs, Roman candles, and aerials, which launch into the air to explode, can be set off on personal property.

Some places in Michigan have less restrictive local ordinances that allow more time and days for fireworks, but state law requires fireworks to be allowed after 11 a.m. on certain holidays. Violations of local ordinances can result in a $1,000 civil fine.

Lighting fireworks on public property — including sidewalks, schools, and churches — or another person’s property without permission is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

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Aerial fireworks, including Roman candles, cannot be used at Michigan state parks, trails, and harbors. However, smaller fireworks like sparklers and fountains are permitted, per the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Selling fireworks to a minor is illegal in Michigan.

“When fire-related incidents involve consumer, low impact, or illegal fireworks resulting in property damage, injury or death of another person, individuals are subject to a misdemeanor or felony punishable by imprisonment of not more than five years and fines of up to $10,000 or both,” according to the state’s website.

Fireworks can be a nightmare for pets. Here are some tips for keeping your pets safe and reducing their anxiety this New Year’s Eve:

• Don’t leave your animals alone if they have trouble with loud noises.
• Keep pets indoors in a safe room or cage to avoid injury from running into dangerous items in your home.
• Close all curtains and windows to reduce noises from outside.
• Tire pets out with exercise, like walks or playtime, earlier in the day.
• Provide pets with enrichment activities, like a frozen lick mat with treats.
• Get your pet soundproof earmuffs or play soothing sounds on a sound machine to muffle noise.