The GT Road, Haryana’s busiest highway, turned into a “white tunnel” this morning as a severe fog wave gripped the region, prompting the weather office to elevate the threat level.
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The Orange Alert: An “Orange Alert” implies that residents and travelers should be prepared for severe weather that could disrupt daily life. The IMD warned that the combination of high humidity and dropping temperatures has created a stable layer of fog that is unlikely to lift before 11:00 AM.
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Impact on Traffic: Major bottlenecks were reported at the Karnal and Panipat toll plazas as vehicles moved at a snail’s pace. The Highway Patrol has been deployed at every 5-km interval with blinkers on to guide traffic. Travelers reported that the stretch between Murthal and Ganaur was particularly hazardous, with visibility intermittently dropping to near-zero.
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Safety Protocols:
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School Buses: Several private schools in Sonipat and Karnal have delayed their bus timings by an additional hour following the alert.
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Police Advisory: The Sonipat Traffic Police issued a social media advisory urging motorists to use low-beam headlights and hazard lights only when stopped.
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Railway Delays: Over 15 trains passing through the Delhi-Ambala-Chandigarh route are reportedly running late by 1 to 3 hours due to the poor visibility.
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Health Advisory: Health officials have also warned that the dense fog is trapping pollutants close to the ground, leading to a spike in Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. People with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors until the fog dissipates.
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Outlook: The IMD suggests that these conditions will persist for the next 48 hours, with the “Orange Alert” potentially extending into Wednesday morning.
