Weather could be factor in Fatal I-16 Crash
NewsCentral Staff
Story Created:
Feb 6, 2013 at 7:25 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Feb 6, 2013 at 7:25 PM EDT
Dense fog and smoke was present at the time the fatal accident on I-16 happened Wednesday morning.
According to Chief Meteorologist Jeff Cox, following analysis from observed weather conditions, it's likely reduced visibility played a large role in the cause of the accident.
At 5:55 a.m., visibility in the area was reported at 7 miles. In just 20 minutes, the observed visibility was down to 1.25 miles. Just before 7 a.m., visibility was further reduced to 1/2 mile.
The accident occurred at 8:12 a.m. An automatic observation was reported just three minutes later and showed visibility at 0.15 mile, which equates to just under 800 feet.
Pictures from the scene (courtesy of WSB-TV) show reduced visibility combined with a rising sun, making it difficult to see traffic in the area at the time the images were taken.
Dense fog advisories were in effect for the area through 10 a.m.
The Georgia State Patrol continues to investigate the incident and told WGXA that they are looking into whether reduced visibility was a critical factor in the accident.
