Thick, dense fog at LAX grounds arriving flights from Mexico, Western U.S.

Dense fog forced authorities to ground several arriving flights early Thursday at Los Angeles International Airport.

Thick fog swept across the Los Angeles area and was expected to stick around until 10 a.m., creating dangerous driving conditions along the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach and several freeways, according to the National Weather Service. At times, visibility was expected to be a quarter-mile or less.

The heavy fog prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a ground stop for arriving flights from all Western U.S. and Northern Mexico airports. By 1 a.m., the order was lifted, and most flights returned to normal, according to the airport.

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As dense fog consumed L.A. on Thursday morning, forecasters also were monitoring increasing wave activity along the Central Coast.

According to the weather service, large and powerful waves could produce dangerous rip currents, minor flooding and damage along the coast.

Waves could reach 22 feet north of Point Conception and up to 12-foot surf is expected across Ventura and Los Angeles county beaches. Strong waves were expected to pummel Southern California beaches through the weekend and create hazardous swimming conditions for surfers.

Additionally, a cold front could bring light rain to Central California and Los Angeles on Thursday and Friday. Temperatures will drop 20 degrees, hovering mostly in the 60s.

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA

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