Thick fog blankets Perth, causing traffic hazards and a crash on Great Northern Highway
Consensus Summary
Perth experienced thick fog on April 30, 2026, blanketing the city from early morning until around 10am, with humidity near 100% overnight. The fog reduced visibility on major roads, including the Tonkin Highway, Narrows Bridge, and Mitchell/Graham Farmer Freeways, prompting Main Roads WA to urge drivers to use caution. A collision between a car and truck on the Great Northern Highway (or Great Eastern Highway, per one source) at approximately 7:15–7:20am injured a man in his early 60s, who was taken to Royal Perth Hospital. Meteorologists attributed the fog to clear skies, high humidity, and light winds, with the phenomenon most common in valleys. The fog began dissipating shortly after sunrise, though some areas remained affected longer.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Fog covered central Perth on Thursday morning (April 30, 2026), reducing visibility on major roads.
- Humidity reached 99% at 1am and remained at 93% by 8am, contributing to fog formation.
- A car and truck collision occurred at ~7:15–7:20am on the Great Northern Highway (near Chittering Roadhouse), injuring a man in his 60s/63.
- Main Roads WA issued warnings for reduced visibility on Tonkin Highway, Narrows Bridge, Mitchell/Graham Farmer Freeways, and Great Eastern Highway.
- Fog was most common in valleys and formed due to clear skies, high humidity, and light winds.
- Fog began clearing around 10am in northeast Perth.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Fog was reported in City Beach, Mt Helena, Malaga, and Banksia Grove via ABC Perth listener texts.
- A man believed to be in his 60s was taken to Royal Perth Hospital after the crash, with rescue crews using hydraulic equipment to free him.
- The Bureau of Meteorology noted fog could affect parts of WA’s South West Land Division, stretching from the northern Wheatbelt to the Goldfields.
- Images showed fog over the Swan River, Meltham train station, and Dianella.
- Visibility was extremely limited along some roads during peak hour.
- Described the fog as a 'surreal, silvery blanket' blocking views of South Perth from Elizabeth Quay.
- Meteorologist Grace Abbott stated fog built up just before sunrise and cleared about an hour after.
- The crash occurred on the Great Eastern Highway (not explicitly mentioned in ABC as the location, only Great Northern Highway).
- The injured man was described as suffering 'serious leg injuries'.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC reports the crash occurred on the Great Northern Highway near Chittering Roadhouse, while NEWSCOMAU states it happened on the Great Eastern Highway.
- ABC does not specify the injured man’s age beyond 'believed to be in his 60s,' while NEWSCOMAU states he was '63 years old.'
Source Articles
Perth wakes shrouded in thick fog prompting traffic warning
Perth has been blanketed with thick fog, prompting warnings for motorists to use caution in the conditions.
City that woke to surreal blanket of fog
Incredible images show a surreal, sliver blanket of fog draped over one major Aussie city.