Video shows 'superfog' blamed for 100-car pileup, chaos, in New Orleans area

A “superfog” made of smoke from marsh fires and dense fog took over parts of Louisiana and caused at least two dozen traffic accidents Monday, including multi-car pileups involving over 100 cars on interstate highways, leaving two people dead and at least 30 injured, Axios New Orleans reported.

Several sections of Interstates 55 and 10 west of New Orleans were closed on Monday causing traffic congestions and delays, while the 24-mile-long causeway over Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans was also closed at intervals. Nola.com, quoting officials of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, reported that the Causeway bridge was closed in both directions as dense fog made it "nearly impossible" for drivers to see and that road visibility was near zero in the area.

"Troopers are currently responding to multiple crashes on Interstate 55 (in both directions) between Ruddock and Manchac," the Louisiana State Police said in a transit alert on Facebook on Monday afternoon. "There is heavy fog in the area and drivers should avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes."

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Schools closed

The mayhem and traffic issues caused by the 'superfog' forced several New Orleans area schools to cancel and delay classes, reported Nola.com.

What is a 'superfog'?

Smoke from several wetland fires in the region combined with fog creates a 'superfog,' according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service advised locals and visitors to avoid the area until the fog can completely dissipate, and the roads can clear.

"Smoke is still possible in some places due to the multiple marsh and local fires but fog is not anticipated to be a major issue tonight as winds should be much stronger," said the weather service.

While fog is normal at this time of the year in Louisiana, it is the smoke coming from a marsh wildfire that is causing more damage a NWS meteorologist told Nola.com. The official added that foggy conditions are expected to persist in the upcoming days due to air pressure and lack of rainfall.

WDSU News reported that the smoke is the result of a wildfire near the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, located within the city limits of New Orleans, that was caused by a lightening strike back in July. The fire is reportedly burning on a hard-to-access part of the wetland which is why authorities have been unsuccessful in putting it out.

Besides the smoke, a chemical-like smell has taken over the area, according to the local media outlet, which may be the result of the peat - decayed vegetation - burning.

A fire is also burning in the Barataria Preserve, according to the National Parks Service. However, it is currently at 52% containment and is not believed to be contributing to the fire in the New Orleans area, reported Nola.com.

Safety precautions

The Louisiana State Police advises taking the following precautions when experiencing heavy fog conditions:

• Headlights on: If you can’t see 500 feet in front of you, you should have your low-beam headlights on
• Reduce speed: Speed limits are for ideal conditions, you can be ticketed for driving too fast in heavy fog (not an ideal condition)
• Minimize distractions and increase distance from other cars

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Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.