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People in the Edmonton area and across central Alberta woke to almost zero-visibility fog Saturday morning, prompting an advisory from Environment Canada and grounding flights at the airport.

The weather agency said areas of dense fog with near-zero visibility would persist until around noon.

As the morning went on, the fog began to lift and the sun came out in the afternoon. The fog advisory was dropped in the Edmonton area around 1 p.m., but remained south of the city between Leduc and Red Deer.

Edmonton police said 25 collisions were reported to them between 6 a.m. and noon, including three hit-and-runs, and three crashes that caused injuries.

READ MORE: Smashing start to spring with 79 record highs broken across Canada

The advisory stretched from the Fort Saskatchewan and Vegreville area south to the Drumheller area. It included the Edmonton region and extended east to the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.

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Drivers were advised to turn on their headlights and be prepared for areas of near-zero visibility.

Flights cancelled, delayed at EIA

Dozens of flights were cancelled or delayed at the Edmonton International Airport, where operations ground to a halt. Spokesperson Traci Bednard said the fog had significant impact.

“This morning, no arriving flights or departing flights have been able to operate and, or course, that’s a particular challenge for us because we’re in the middle of spring break. So certainly a lot of people here waiting for those flights.” Tweet This

Bednard said it is unusual for the fog to last so long. She said there are strict safety regulations for fog and visibility.

“If the fog is at a certain level, then flights can’t operate in or out. We have seen the fog since early this morning and although from time to time it’s improved a small bit, it has not improved enough for flights to operate,” she said around 11 a.m.

Operations resumed shortly after noon. Due to the lengthy delay, those scheduled to travel on Saturday were advised to check their flight status.

@GlobalEdmonton the planes are circling waiting to land pic.twitter.com/nQhtQt8rWu — Russell Caton (@russell_caton) March 23, 2019

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At the same time, the Air Quality Health Index was at a five out of 10, or moderate risk, in the Edmonton region on Saturday morning.

The air quality has been reduced since Thursday, when a special air quality statement was issued due to increased pollution levels in the region.

The Alberta government said people should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if they were experiencing adverse symptoms.

READ MORE: Special air quality statement lifted in Edmonton and area

A bridge to nowhere?? I can’t see where I’m going!! pic.twitter.com/b84QO8ukPj — Shaye Ganam (@ShayeGanam) March 23, 2019

There is no one I feel more for today than those parents stuck at EIA with their spring break on indefinite hold … and the batteries on the devices of their kids hitting that ‘low battery’ level. #yegwx — AlbertaBeluga (@AlbertaBeluga) March 23, 2019

It was a fun ride on the Henday & Yellowhead this morning. pic.twitter.com/VXxeGR2gwQ — Bryan (@BryLife83) March 23, 2019

It's really foggy out there this morning. I just rolled down my window to order coffee and discovered I'd been in the line for a car wash this whole time. I didn't get coffee but I'm definitely now wide wake. And showered. #yegwx pic.twitter.com/2BGeTVmJnC — Andrew Grose (@GroseAndrew) March 23, 2019

Dense, near-zero visibility fog cloaked the High Level Bridge in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Les Knight, Global News Dense, near-zero visibility fog cloaked the High Level Bridge in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Les Knight, Global News Dense, near-zero visibility fog cloaked the Alberta legislature grounds in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Les Knight, Global News Dense, near-zero visibility fog in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Les Knight, Global News Dense, near-zero visibility fog in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Les Knight, Global News Dense, near-zero visibility fog in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Les Knight, Global News

One of the best ways to track locally hazardous driving conditions is from local viewer reports. The #yegtraffic hashtag is often used by Twitter users reporting traffic issues within Edmonton.

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If safe to do so, share your weather photos with us via the Global Edmonton Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can also post updates from your community using the hashtags #yegwx and #abstorm.

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