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Scale of threat levels

for South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
Dense Fog
Hazard Map Threat Levels Safety & Impact

The "Dense Fog/Smoke Hazard Map" depicts the local threat of dense fog or smoke for specified areas.  It is largely based on coverage and visibility.

Dense Fog/Smoke Threat Level

Threat  Level Descriptions

Extreme

"An Extreme Threat to Life and Property from Dense Fog or Smoke."

An extreme likelihood (36% or greater probability) of dense fog or smoke that reduces visibilities to 1/4 mile or less in a defined area for 3 hours or more.

High

"A High Threat to Life and Property from Dense Fog or Smoke."

A high likelihood (26% to 35% probability) of dense fog or smoke that reduces visibilities to 1/4 mile or less in a defined area for 3 hours or more.

Moderate

"A Moderate Threat to Life and Property from Dense Fog or Smoke."

A moderate likelihood (16% to 25% probability) of dense fog or smoke that reduces visibilities to 1/4 mile or less in a defined area for 3 hours or more.

Low

"A Low Threat to Life and Property from Dense Fog or Smoke."

A low likelihood (6% to 15% probability) of dense fog or smoke that reduces visibilities to 1/4 mile or less in a defined area for 3 hours or more.

Very Low
>"A Very Low Threat to Life and Property from Dense Fog or Smoke."

A very low likelihood (2% to 5% probability) of dense fog or smoke that reduces visibilities to 1/4 mile or less in a defined area for 3 hours or more.
Non-Threatening
" No Discernable Threat to Life and Property from Dense Fog or Smoke."

Visibility greater than 1/4 mile and non-threatening.  Fog/smoke may still be present, but not dense.  

Note: Fog or smoke becomes hazardous when it is considered "dense" and obscures visibility to 1/4 mile or less.  This results in decreased response time for operators of motor vehicles, especially at higher speeds.  Motorists should adjust driving speed accordingly, while using low-beam headlights.   

Determining Likelihood

  • NOAA's National Weather Service
  • Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI Weather Forecast Office
  • N3533 Hardscrabble Road
  • Dousman, WI 53118
  • 414-744-8000
  • Page Author: MKX Webmaster
  • Web Master's E-mail: w-mkx.webmaster@noaa.gov
  • Page last modified: 2-Nov-2005 10:23 PM UTC
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