LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County election officials say local election results may be delayed because dense fog pushing in from coastal communities has grounded helicopters used to transport ballots.

In a statement Tuesday night, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan says helicopters transporting ballots have been diverted to the Puente Hills Mall in the City of Industry.

Ballots transported by ground transportation won’t be affected.

The National Weather Service has forecast dense fog in coastal areas overnight from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles, and is expected to dissipate by midmorning Wednesday.

The fog is the result of a shallow marine layer and onshore flow.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)