"Superfog" Leads to Huge Pile-Up near New Orleans

news image
Special Stories
24 Oct 2023 2:35 AM

Dense fog on Monday morning called "super fog" led to a massive pileup on I-55 in Akers, LA, west of New Orleans. The exact number of cars involved in the pileup is unknown at this time but WeatherNation has received pictures and videos of hundreds of cars parked on I-55 with nowhere to go. The elevated roadway meant drivers had nowhere to go. Our field correspondent Brandon Clement got a birds' eye view of the damage after the fog lifted.

In addition to vehicle crashes, there appear to have been car fires too. I-10 was closed IN BOTH DIRECTIONS from the New Orleans Airport to the intersection with I-55 Southbound was closed over Lake Pontchartrain throughout Monday.

So what caused the fog? This was known as "super fog" which was caused by the combination of dense fog due to more moisture in the atmosphere, as well as wildfire smoke nearby. Stronger winds should keep fog at bay through the overnight hours through Tuesday, but advisories have been issued just in case as the wildfires remain ablaze.

Monday morning, the visibility was down to 0 miles through the greater New Orleans area. Fog can be extremely dangerous during driving conditions as it usually is more dense in certain areas compared to others. At the time of the pileup, visibility was near zero in the Akers area. Earlier Monday morning the causeway bridge was closed over Lake Pontchartrain too because of how dense the fog was and how dangerous it was to drive.

Tuesday morning's forecast calls for more fog, but winds will be a bit gustier which should help to clear those conditions quicker. Be cautious on the roads.

All Weather News
More
California Round 1 Wraps, Another Late Weekend

California Round 1 Wraps, Another Late Weekend

CALIFORNIA - Rain and snow graced the state o

13 Feb 2026 3:25 AM
Rockies Receive Some Much-Needed Help

Rockies Receive Some Much-Needed Help

ROCKIES - As our behemoth of a trough moves o

13 Feb 2026 3:20 AM
Strong Storms and Heavy Rain Headed for Texas and the South

Strong Storms and Heavy Rain Headed for Texas and the South

SOUTH - As we end the work week, heavy rain w

13 Feb 2026 3:15 AM
Temperatures Forecast To Soar Across the Central States This Weekend

Temperatures Forecast To Soar Across the Central States This Weekend

It has been a tale of two halves of the count

13 Feb 2026 3:15 AM
Lingering Snow in the Northeast

Lingering Snow in the Northeast

NORTHEAST - As this next clipper system cont

12 Feb 2026 8:05 AM
Cold Air Remains Across the Northeast

Cold Air Remains Across the Northeast

It was another cold morning on Monday across

10 Feb 2026 2:50 AM
Record Heat Across the Central U.S.

Record Heat Across the Central U.S.

It was a hot day on Monday, February 9th in t

10 Feb 2026 2:45 AM