Politics & Government

Air Quality, Hazardous Weather Alerts Issued

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Weather Service warned local residents of high ozone levels and the possibility of severe weather through tonight.

Sultry temperatures are already nearing 90 degrees in Patchogue and Medford as of midday Monday, and as a result an air quality alert and a hazardous weather outlook are in effect.

Not only did the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation declared the air quality today as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in the New York City Metro area and Long Island on its website, but the National Weather Service also issued an air quality alert on its site, too.

The NYS DEC cited ozone levels topping 100 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) as the reason for its air quality alert.

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The NWS added that the alert is in effect until 11 p.m. tonight, and included the toll-free air quality hotline that’s been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation: 800-535-1345.

The NWS alert also included the following warnings and recommendations from the New York State Department of Health in the face of elevated ozone levels (pollutants) in the air:

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Consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physicians.

In addition to the air quality alert, the NWS added a hazardous weather outlook for Southeast New York for good measure due to the hazy, hot and humid forecast that includes a thunderstorm chance later this afternoon and tonight.

“The storm prediction center has placed the area in a slight risk for severe weather,” said the NWS alert. “Damaging winds and large hail are the main threats during the late afternoon and evening hours. Heavy rain is also possible leading to urban flooding of poor drainage and low-lying areas.”The hazardous weather outlook is in effect for today and tonight, the alert said.


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