Tag:

Air Quality

Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Driving into New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll be paying for it. New York City’s congestion pricing plan, set to begin on Friday, Jan. 5, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and fund crucial public transit upgrades.  Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll, with rates starting at $9 per day. The Federal Highway Administration approved the program last month. However, lawsuits could potentially stop the planned rollout. The toll is aimed at reducing gridlock and enhancing traffic flow in the Central Business Distr…
UPDATE: Wildfire Near Lakewood Country Club Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres UPDATE: Wildfire Near Lakewood Country Club Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres
Update: Wildfire Near Lakewood Country Club Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres Firefighters have contained about half of a wildfire in Lakewood, where flames have scorched dozens of acres, officials said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the 35-acre wildfire was about 50 percent contained as of around 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The fire was burning near Pine Park and the Lakewood Country Club. Clearstream Road remained closed between Brewers Bridge and Hope Chapel Road as crews continued their work. To combat the flames, crews have deployed fire engines, bulldozers, a helicopter, and ground teams to the site. Six buildings on Seminole Drive were …
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds The Jennings Creek Wildfire, now spanning 3,500 acres across Passaic County, NJ, and Orange County, NY, is only 20% contained, with strong winds and low humidity posing continued risks for rapid spread.  The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York’s Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management are working in unified command to strengthen containment lines in preparation for tomorrow’s forecasted weather. Firefighters focused efforts Tuesday, Nov. 12 on reinforcing the eastern containment line, using controlled burns to remove unburned pockets of fuel.  Resources deployed…
'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From Glassboro Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off CO Alarms 'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From Glassboro Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off CO Alarms
'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From Glassboro Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off CO Alarms Residents across Gloucester County woke up to thick smoke from the 133-acre Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area last week, causing widespread smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to sound off early Friday morning, Nov. 8. The Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management warned that changing wind directions could further affect surrounding communities, including Glassboro, Washington Township, and Williamstown, where local fire departments have been fielding an “unprecedented” number of emergency calls. A TikTok video that shows smoke covering the area is title…
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford A sprawling wildfire, now covering 3,000 acres, continues to burn through West Milford Monday, Nov. 11, however, air quality levels across the region have improved. The Jennings Creek Wildfire threatens 24 structures across both New Jersey and New York, including two homes in New Jersey, eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, and 14 structures on East Shore Road in Greenwood Lake, NY, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. As of the latest update, the fire is only 10% contained, prompting officials to close East Shore and Beech Roads, along with all tr…
Raging Wildfires Scorch Pennsylvania, Threaten Communities as Containment Efforts Continue Raging Wildfires Scorch Pennsylvania, Threaten Communities as Containment Efforts Continue
Raging Wildfires Scorch Pennsylvania, Threaten Communities as Containment Efforts Continue Pennsylvania has been dealing with significant wildfire activity, with several blazes impacting different parts of the state as of Sunday, Nov. 10. Blue Mountain Fire, Northampton County: This major wildfire erupted near the Lehigh Gap and scorched approximately 600 acres. As of Nov. 7, officials reported that the fire was 100% contained, preventing further spread. Crews worked tirelessly to secure the area and protect surrounding communities. Governor Josh Shapiro wrote in a release on the fire:  "Thank you to all of our first responders who worked around the clock to battle the Blue Moun…
18-Year-Old State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest 18-Year-Old State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest
18-Year-Old State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region. Click here for a new, updated story - 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As HS Baseball Standout The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pr…
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Three active wildfires in New Jersey are keeping firefighters busy this weekend as the air quality continues to worsen. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain fires in West Milford, Pompton Lakes, and Englewood Cliffs (scroll for details on each one). AirNow.gov shows an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171, or unhealthy, across North Jersey, as of 7:30 p.m., caused by the smoke that blanketed the region. Click here to see an active AQI map or click here to check your town's AQI. Prolonged dry conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong winds have contribut…
Falling Powerline Sparks Washington Township Brush Fire, Wildfires Rage Across NJ Falling Powerline Sparks Washington Township Brush Fire, Wildfires Rage Across NJ
Falling Powerline Sparks Washington Township Brush Fire, Wildfires Rage Across NJ Washington Township Police and Fire Department personnel responded to a large brush fire Friday night, Nov. 8. The blaze, ignited by a downed powerline, was quickly contained and extinguished along West Valley Brook Road, the police department said. With the arrival of cooler weather, officials are reminding residents that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued a total fire ban across the state on both private and public properties.  The ban, imposed due to extremely dry conditions, prohibits the use of fire pits, campfires, or any form of open b…
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Residents across North Jersey are facing worsening air quality due to smoke from a major wildfire burning in Pompton Lakes.  UPDATE: Unhealthy Air Quality Levels Reported In North Jersey As New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Rages Smoke from the Pompton Lakes wildfire. North Jersey Video Service or NJVS Dubbed the "Cannonball 3 Wildfire," the blaze has expanded to 100 acres with no containment, as per the latest update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. By late Friday night, Nov. 8, smoke from the raging Passaic County wildfire drifted as far as Fair Lawn, Hackensack, New Milfo…
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…
Wildfire Smoke Drifting Into NJ/NYC: How Bad Will It Be? Wildfire Smoke Drifting Into NJ/NYC: How Bad Will It Be?
Wildfire Smoke Drifting Into NJ/NYC: How Bad Will It Be? If things looks fuzzier than usual, it wasn't your eyes focusing to adjust this morning. That was wildfire smoke is drifting from Canada into the Northeast, the National Weather Service said Wednesday morning, Aug. 14. "You may notice hazy skies today," the NWS New York office said. "It is coming from wildfire smoke, which has overspread across the area from north to south." While the smoke is expected to "stick around" for the next several days, forecasters are not expecting harmful impacts to the air quality, the NWS said. You may notice hazy skies today. It is coming from wildfire …
Severe Heat, High Humidity Will Pose Significant Health Risk To NYers, Hochul Warns Severe Heat, High Humidity Will Pose Significant Health Risk To NYers, Hochul Warns
Severe Heat, High Humidity Will Pose Significant Health Risk To NYers, Hochul Warns Gov. Kathy Hochul is warnig New Yorkers that severe heat and high humidity will pose a significant health risk from Monday, July 15, through Wednesday, July 17. Temperatures during that stretch are likely to bring dangerous heat indexes between 95 and 104 degrees across the entire state.  New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Tier, also have a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms in the afternoon into the evening on Monday. Air quality health advisories for ozone are also in effect for New York City and Long Island on Monday from 11 a.m. to 11 p…
New Advisory Issued To NYers For Extreme Heat, Severe Storms, Unhealthy Air: Hochul New Advisory Issued To NYers For Extreme Heat, Severe Storms, Unhealthy Air: Hochul
New Advisory Issued To NYers For Extreme Heat, Severe Storms, Unhealthy Air: Hochul New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to stay safe and hydrated as hot, humid air rolls into much of the state ahead of severe storms predicted to bring heavy rains and flash flooding.  In an announcement on Monday, July 8, Hochul warned that above-average temperatures and high humidity would arrive in the state in the next few days. This includes "feels like temperatures" at or above 95 degrees, which can cause an increased risk of heat illnesses, Hochul's office said.  Related Report - Rounds Of Thunderstorms Expected Over Span Of Days: Here's Timing In res…
Multi-Millions Of Federal Funding Will Bring 116 New School Buses To These Virginia Districts Multi-Millions Of Federal Funding Will Bring 116 New School Buses To These Virginia Districts
Multi-Millions Of Federal Funding Will Bring 116 New School Buses To These Virginia Districts Hundreds of new, green school buses will be purchased for 18 Virginia school districts thanks to federal funding. The Clean School Bus Program rebate competition is funded by President Biden's Investing in America agenda, helping Virginia accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older, diesel fueled school buses, which have been linked to asthma, the Environmental Protection Agency said. Here's how much funding and how many buses local districts will receive: Loudoun County Public Schools has been selected to receive $3,975,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean …
Seasonal Allergies: What You Need To Know, According To Sun River Health Seasonal Allergies: What You Need To Know, According To Sun River Health
Seasonal Allergies: What You Need To Know, According To Sun River Health Spring has sprung, and we are all eager to head outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. However, for people with allergies, this often isn’t possible without sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Whether it’s tree pollen, weeds, pets, or mold, we need to understand what’s causing our allergies and how to keep them under control. What’s Making You Sneeze? Pollen grains are the tiny cells that are needed to fertilize plants, and it’s likely that they are causing your springtime misery. These pollen grains, produced by trees, grasses, and weeds, are very small and very light. They are designed t…
'Fed Up With Being Dumped On:' Landfill Reps Promise Less Gas Emissions For NJ Residents 'Fed Up With Being Dumped On:' Landfill Reps Promise Less Gas Emissions For NJ Residents
'Fed Up With Being Dumped On:' Landfill Reps Promise Less Gas Emissions For NJ Residents South Jersey residents turned out in droves to air their frustrations over the stench caused by landfills that's been stinking up their neighborhoods for decades. Local resident Anthony Kucharski told the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) at the Thursday, Jan. 11 public hearing that the agency's landfill is ruining the quality of life in Absecon and other nearby communities. "Absecon is absolutely fed up with being dumped on," said Kucharski. "This has been a decades-long problem that has only gotten worse. The anger, frustration, and stress have reached a boiling point." Kuc…
8 Children, 5 Adults Suddenly Sick At PA Day Care Center: State Police 8 Children, 5 Adults Suddenly Sick At PA Day Care Center: State Police
8 Children, 5 Adults Suddenly Sick At PA Day Care Center: State Police Thirteen people were hospitalized with headaches and dizziness after suddenly falling ill at a North Whitehall day care center on Wednesday morning, Oct. 11, state police say.  First responders were called to the Lehigh Valley Children’s Center on Park Avenue in Neffs around 10:30 a.m., troopers said.  In total, five adults and eight infants and toddlers were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest.  Police say it's still unclear what caused the victims to feel sick. The day care will remain closed for the rest of the week while air quality specialists work the…
Smoky Skies To Stay For Summer? Forecasters Say More Hazy Days Are Ahead Smoky Skies To Stay For Summer? Forecasters Say More Hazy Days Are Ahead
Smoky Skies To Stay For Summer? Forecasters Say More Hazy Days Are Ahead The July 4th weekend has arrived, but chances are the smell of smoke outside isn't coming from barbecues — and according to forecasters, there's even more ahead. The air quality on Saturday, July 1 was slightly better than it was earlier in the week, with AQIs average in the 120s and code orange and yellows issued — as opposed to purple and red — across the region. Slowly, slowly, the smoke was starting to disperse. However, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson is confident, it will be back. "I do believe this will go down as the summer of smoke and haze for much of Canada and …
Smoky Skies: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across Region; Here's Day-By-Day Forecast Through July 4th Smoky Skies: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across Region; Here's Day-By-Day Forecast Through July 4th
Smoky Skies: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across Region; Here's Day-By-Day Forecast Through July 4th The July 4th weekend has arrived, but chances are the smell of smoke outside isn't coming from barbeques. That's because smoke from Canadian wildfires continues its eastward movement, with poor air quality now affecting nearly the entire region and most of the Northeast. In the first image above, areas in orange are projected to have unhealthy air, and areas in yellow have moderate air on Saturday, July 1. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Fine Particulates. To check air quality in your zip c…
Stamford Delays Fireworks Display Due To Smoke From Wildfires Stamford Delays Fireworks Display Due To Smoke From Wildfires
Stamford Delays Fireworks Display Due To Smoke From Wildfires Due to poor air quality and visibility conditions from continuing wildfires in Canada, the city of Stamford will postpone its Independence Day firework display. The fireworks were set to be showcased on Friday, June 30 at 6 p.m. at Cummings Beach. “We want to host the best Independence Day fireworks show possible,” said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons. “Because of air quality concerns, as well as the fact that the visibility of tonight’s show would be compromised, we’ve decided to take advantage of our negotiated rain date and postpone the fireworks until next week.” The fireworks will now…
New Update: Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Reaches 'Unhealthy' Level Across CT New Update: Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Reaches 'Unhealthy' Level Across CT
New Update: Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Reaches 'Unhealthy' Level Across CT It's time for some to get out protective masks as smoke from Canadian wildfires is drifting over Connecticut and elevating the air quality to "unhealthy" levels. On Friday, June 30, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said smoke from wildfires over Quebec is expected to elevate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels across the entire state. The red dots designate unhealthy areas.AirNow.gov When air quality is forecasted to be unhealthy, there is an increased likelihood for everyone and especially members of sensitive groups to experience health effects…
Incoming Storm Means Slight Air Quality Improvement Along East Coast, Forecasters Say Incoming Storm Means Slight Air Quality Improvement Along East Coast, Forecasters Say
Incoming Storm Means Slight Air Quality Improvement Along East Coast, Forecasters Say A weekend storm could slightly help improve the Canadian wildfire smoke still lingering along the East Coast, meteorologists are saying. While skies will be sunny with a high in the mid-80s on Friday, June 30, they'll also be hazy for most of the day, according to the National Weather Service. The Air Quality Index remained in the triple digits along East Coast of 9:15 a.m., with code red issued across much of the area. In Pittsburgh, air quality levels remained very unhealthy, according to AccuWeather's Plume Labs. Worst air quality in this batch is just northwest of us and some spots…
DC Area Has 2nd Worst Air Quality In The World Today (June 29), Under Code Red DC Area Has 2nd Worst Air Quality In The World Today (June 29), Under Code Red
DC Area Has 2nd Worst Air Quality In The World Today (June 29), Under Code Red The Canadian wildfire smoke has descended upon the Washington DC area Thursday, June 29, which had the second-worst air quality in the world, according to iqair.com. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issued a "code red" for Thursday. Chicago had the worst air quality in the world and Dubai had the third worst, according to iqair.com. 🔴Air Quality Alert: COG forecasts Code Red air quality for the DC region tomorrow, Thursday, June 29 due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. Area residents are encouraged to limit outdoor activities. Stay air quality aware: https://t.co/vujQ…
Thunderstorms Sweeping Through Region From West To East: Here's Latest Thunderstorms Sweeping Through Region From West To East: Here's Latest
Thunderstorms Sweeping Through Region From West To East: Here's Latest A new round of thunderstorms is sweeping through the region from west to east. Storms developed in the mid-afternoon on Wednesday, June 28, with activity scattered across the region. (See radar image above.)  The storms, some of which are severe, are accompanied by heavy, brief downpours, rumbles of thunder, and lightning strikes. Storms could pop up at times through the afternoon and into the early evening Wednesday before an unsettled weather pattern finally comes to a close, according to the National Weather Service. Drier and warmer weather is expected Thursday, June 29, and Frid…
Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area
Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area Hazy skies and poor air quality due to wildfire smoke are heading toward the region from west to east. Areas of western and central New York are expected to experience unhealthy air quality on Wednesday, June 28 with moderate air quality in eastern New York and parts of New England. Areas in red in the image above from AirNow.gov are projected to have very unhealthy air quality, with orange indicating unhealthy air, and yellow moderate. Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with a high temperature in the upper 70s. There will be a new chance for showers and thunderstorms from around midday until…
These Maps Show Realtime Smoke, Air Quality As Canadian Wildfires Rage These Maps Show Realtime Smoke, Air Quality As Canadian Wildfires Rage
These Maps Show Realtime Smoke, Air Quality As Canadian Wildfires Rage Can't tell if it's smoke or cloudy skies above? The following realtime configurations and air quality maps won't have you guessing anymore. A realtime configuration from Fire Smoke Canada — the Canadian portal for information about wildland fire weather and smoke — shows exactly where each of the more than 150 wildfires are raging and predicts roughly how heavy the smoke will be and where. The New York Times, meanwhile, has a similar smoke forecast map that indicates light, medium, or high levels of smoke from the fires, based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The rea…
Smoky Summer: Could Week Of Wildfires Be Preview Of What's Ahead? Smoky Summer: Could Week Of Wildfires Be Preview Of What's Ahead?
Smoky Summer: Could Week Of Wildfires Be Preview Of What's Ahead? Are this week's smoky skies a preview of Summer 2023 in the Northeast? According to U.S. National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey, that depends. Ramsey is quoted by CBS New York saying "it's really just going be all about the wind shift." According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson, the Canadian wildfires are showing no signs of slowing down and will "likely continue to burn over Quebec into the summer, as they are in remote, heavily wooded areas," he said. But, if what Ramsey is saying is true, then raging fires in Canada — and locally, for that matter — …
Storm Watch: System With Gusty Winds Could Include Hail As Poor Air Quality Improves Storm Watch: System With Gusty Winds Could Include Hail As Poor Air Quality Improves
Storm Watch: System With Gusty Winds Could Include Hail As Poor Air Quality Improves An upper-level low-pressure system will bring isolated to scattered thunderstorms across the region, some of which could be severe. A few storms may bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and small hail a half-inch or less in diameter, according to the National Weather Service. The time frame for storm activity is from around midday until late in the evening on Friday, June 9. Poor air quality conditions that have lingered for much of the week due to smoke from Canadian wildfires will steadily improve during the afternoon on Friday, which will see a high temperature of around 70 degrees. Saturday…
Canadian Wildfires: Poor Air Quality Forces Yonkers To Close Schools Canadian Wildfires: Poor Air Quality Forces Yonkers To Close Schools
Canadian Wildfires: Poor Air Quality Forces Yonkers To Close Schools A blanket of unhealthy air covering much of New York as a result of Canadian wildfires has caused a city in Westchester to close its schools.  Yonkers Public Schools announced that it would be closing all schools on Thursday, June 8 as a result of the poor air quality and the unhealthy conditions in the city.  Related Story - Canadian Wildfires Still Producing Unhealthy Air: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area The announcement comes after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality health advisory for the New York City metro area and lower Hud…
Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn
Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn Widespread smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to bring hazardous air quality levels across the region. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of fine particulates again on Thursday, June 8, according to the National Weather Service.   Check air quality conditions in your area, visit AirNow.gov by clicking here. "The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern," said the weather service. ALSO SEE: Smoke Relief Coming Next Week, Unhealthy Air Quality Here To Stay (Mostl…