Dense Fog — Orleans, Louisiana

2011-12-29 · Orleans, Louisiana

Event narrative

A multiple vehicle accident with several fatalities, numerous injuries and a large societal impact occurred in the pre-dawn hours along a stretch of Interstate Highway 10 in a marshy area in New Orleans East around 430 am CST. Patchy radiational fog was developing, with smoke from a local ongoing peat sub-surface fire a potentially additional contributing factor to restricting visibility. Forty vehicles, including numerous freight tractor-trailers, and early morning commuters, were involved on both the east and westbound lanes of Interstate 10. The interstate was closed for approximately 12 hours after the accident.

Wider weather episode

Localized dense fog contributed to a 40 vehicle traffic accident on Interstate 10 during the early morning hours.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 352910. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.