Ferries cancelled, flights affected as thick blanket of fog descends over Sydney

Flights have been affected, ferries have been brought to a standstill and motorists are facing traffic nightmares from a thick blanket of fog which has descended over Sydney.

Eerie pictures show fog blanketing the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Monday, reducing visibility to barely more than 100 metres during morning peak hour.

Sydney Ferries suspended all voyages for a time.

Flights have also been affected, with air traffic control spacing out arrivals and departures due to the poor visibility.

Road users were being cautioned right across the metro area.

“Reduced visibility in fog will make road conditions dangerous during Monday in all suburbs,” an early morning Bureau of Meteorology alert said.

However, by 8.30am the issues on the road had eased.

“The road weather alert for all suburbs has been cancelled, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further alerts will be issued if necessary,” an updated alert says.

Despite conditions easing on the roads, ferries were not expected to operate.

“No Sydney ferries are running at all due to the heavy fog,” Sydney Ferries said on Monday morning.

“Make alternative travel arrangements.”

However, as the fog lifted, ferries from began operating again, from about 9am, a Transport for NSW spokesman told NewsWire.

Footage posted online shows the thick blanket of fog engulfing the city. While there are blue skies above the low level of fog, the mist covers city skyscrapers and landmarks. Video posted from what appears to be an apartment, at least 15 stories high, shows just the top of the Sydney Tower poking out.

“Most of the Sydney landmarks – Harbour Bridge, Opera House and even some of the Sydney Tower, are still asleep behind a blanket of fog. I think it’s giving us a message for the start of the work week,” the video caption reads.