150-Vehicle Pileup Cripples Highway 99 in Dense Fog

A multi-vehicle collision involving as many as 150 vehicles completely blocked Highway 99 in Central California on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The incident occurred near Earlimart, California, during a period of extremely dense tule fog that reduced visibility to 100 to 200 feet.

At least 10 individuals were transported to local hospitals following the crash. Many uninjured drivers were sheltered at the Tulare Ag Center. Highway 99 remained closed in both directions throughout the day and into the evening as authorities investigated and cleared the scene.

This massive pileup is the largest of the season but follows numerous other fog-related collisions in the San Joaquin Valley. The region has experienced an unusually long and persistent tule fog season, beginning in late November and continuing through January, with frequent dense fog advisories issued by the National Weather Service.

Tule fog, a type of radiation fog common in the Central Valley during cooler months, forms under specific conditions of moisture, clear skies, and calm winds. This year's prolonged fog is attributed to a persistent high-pressure system trapping cold, moist air near the ground.

Authorities continue to advise drivers to exercise extreme caution in tule fog conditions, recommending reduced speeds, use of low-beam headlights, increased following distances, and reliance on lane lines for guidance. Forecasters indicate that the fog cycle is expected to persist overnight and in the early mornings, even with warmer daytime temperatures anticipated.