As smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts to the US, several states under air quality alerts

Drifting smoke, air quality concerns prompting beach closures, warnings about reduced visibility and calls to stay indoors.

Updated: 12:11 AM EDT Jun 28, 2023

Nouran Salahieh and Joe Sutton, CNN

Over 80 million people from the Midwest to the East Coast are under air quality alerts as smoke from the Canadian wildfires sweep across the U.S. border Tuesday, prompting beach closures, warnings about reduced visibility and calls to stay indoors.Canada is seeing its worst fire season on record with hundreds of wildfires raging across the country – more than 200 of them burning "out of control," according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The wildfires have led to the highest emissions on record for the country, according to a Tuesday report from Copernicus.Video above: The kind of air conditioner filter you need to filter smoke from your homeAs smoke crosses into the U.S., air quality alerts have been issued for the entire states of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Delaware and Maryland as well are portions of Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia, according to the National Weather Service. Residents are being advised to stay indoors with their air conditioning running or wear N95 masks if they have to be outside.Chicago had the worst air quality in the world Tuesday evening, according to IQAir. The city's Air Quality Index measured at 193 – a high reading designated as "unhealthy."The city has asked all residents – especially those with heart or lung disease, older adults, pregnant people and young children – to avoid outdoor activities and protect themselves from exposure. Chicago Public Schools and camps are also moving activities indoors, city officials said in a news release.Video below: Homemade air purifier can protect against wildfire smoke inside at homeAbout 11 miles away, Evanston, Illinois, is closing all swimming beaches and canceling a concert Tuesday due to the poor air quality, the city said on Facebook, asking residents to limit outdoor exposure through Wednesday. Across the state line in Michigan, the Mackinac Bridge stood covered with smoke Tuesday. Drivers were asked to drive slow and with caution due to the reduced visibility on the bridge. Detroit, Michigan, had the second worst air quality in the world Tuesday evening, with an "unhealthy" Air Quality Index is at 174, according to IQAir.High levels of fine particulate in the air in Michigan could become unhealthy or hazardous for all residents at some points – not just sensitive groups, the state's health department warned. "The most protective option when air is unhealthy for you is to stay indoors with air conditioning, reduce strenuous activities and limit outdoor activities. If you have to be outside, N95 masks offer enhanced protection when used according to product instructions," the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said.Indianapolis drivers were also warned about reduced visibility, with the National Weather Service saying to "be prepared for haze that could suddenly reduce visibilities" in some areas Tuesday and Wednesday.Video below: Canada's provinces, territories sign on to national climate adaptation strategyNew York is also expected to see unhealthy levels of smoke return Wednesday and Thursday to some areas – about three weeks after New York City topped the list of the world's worst air pollution as smoke from the Canadian wildfires wafted south, turning skies orange. "New Yorkers should be prepared for elevated levels of fine particulate pollution caused by smoke on Wednesday and Thursday," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "Current projections show the highest concentrations of smoke will slowly push east across the eastern half of New York State during the day Thursday, extending across much of the state."In Ohio, a spokesperson for the Cleveland's mayor's office said "what happened in NY a few weeks ago and Chicago today may happen here in Cleveland tomorrow."The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency issued an air quality advisory, forecasting fine particulate levels in the "Unhealthy" Air Quality Index range.Wildfire smoke carries particulate matter, or PM2.5 – a tiny but dangerous pollutant that, when inhaled, can travel deep into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The particulate matter has been linked to a number of health problems including asthma, heart disease and other respiratory illnesses.

Northern Michigan wildfire burns through 3,600 acres, forcing evacuations and the closure of a nearby highway

Updated: 11:07 PM EDT Jun 3, 2023

Andy Rose and Nouran Salahieh, CNN

(CNN) — A wildfire in Northern Michigan burned through 3,600 acres, forcing evacuations and prompting the closure of a nearby highway Saturday, officials said.The blaze, centered in Grayling Township about 50 miles from Traverse City, is spreading west and southwest and threatening multiple buildings, the state's Department of Natural Resources said in a statement."Evacuations are being conducted by emergency personnel," the department said. A five-mile stretch of Interstate 75 was shut down in both directions as crews battle the fire, and a temporary flight restriction was issued for a five-mile perimeter around the fire below 5,000 feet.Firefighters are attacking the flames from the ground and the air, with aircraft scooping water from Neff Lake, Shellenbarger Lake and Lake Margrethe, according to the statement. Crawford County Sheriff Ryan Swope said in a statement that power in the area has been shut off for the safety of firefighters working under power lines. It's still unknown what sparked the fire, the Department of Natural Resources said in its statement earlier. The fire is burning as Michigan sees "unprecedented" hot and dry conditions for this time of year, setting the stage for extreme fire danger, the statement added. The wildfire produced thick smoke in the area Saturday, and the department warned nearby residents to limit exposure to wildfire smoke by staying indoors with windows shut. The Department of Natural Resources also said visibility may be reduced on roadways.Warm temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and dry fuels will all combine to fuel the risk of fires in the days ahead, the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids said in a tweet.

LOS ANGELES — The weather at this Sunday’s Super Bowl game is expected to be unseasonably hot.

A rare wintertime heat advisory was issued for California.

Temperatures during game time could reach 90 degrees Sunday.

High temperatures in Los Angeles during this time of year are usually in the mid-60s.

Players and spectators likely won’t feel the full force of the heat inside SoFi Stadium because the indoor-outdoor arena is able to maintain a controlled temperature.

Still, the National Weather Service is advising people to take precautions, including drinking plenty of water and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

The high temperatures are expected to set a record for the warmest day ever on which the big game has been played.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio, has confirmed both an EF0 and an EF1 tornado touched down in Highland County, Ohio, early Saturday.

The first tornado in West Central Highland County dropped at approximately 12:53 a.m. and remained on the ground for 1.9 miles.

The National Weather Service described the path the storm took, "The first tornado to occur in Highland County started near the intersection of Danville Road and Roush Road... The tornado then crossed Danville Road, heading east down Roush Road."

The NWS went on to say, "The circulation weakened as it continued east along Roush Road and eventually dissipated east of Kesler Road."

This happened at an estimated time of 12:56 a.m.

The tornado packed peak winds of 80 mph and had a maximum width of 50 yards. As it progressed east, the circulation left a trail of damage.

The NWS stated, "Numerous trees were damaged on the west side of Danville Road along with some minor damage to the home including roof damage and broken windows... The strongest damage was found at a residence on the north side of Roush Road where an outbuilding sustained roof damage. Multiple trees at the same property were also damaged or uprooted."

No fatalities or injuries were reported with this circulation.

This storm went on to recirculate and produce another tornado 3 to 5 miles northeast of Hillsboro in Highland County at approximately 1:03 a.m. The NWS shared, "Damage associated with the tornado began east of U.S. 62, north of Hillsboro and consisted of uprooted trees and large snapped limbs. The first structural damage was observed north of Selph Road near Lewis Lane where a large portion of roof covering was removed from an outbuilding."

Additional tree damage was found along Lewis Lane. From here, approximately 1 mile of unreachable damage due to lack of roads stretched between Lewis Lane and Kincaid Road to the east.

The National Weather Service went on to say, "A structure on the east side of Kincaid Road sustained sidewall damage associated with a garage door failure. Further south along Kincaid Road, a considerable amount of trees were snapped and uprooted consistent with straight-line winds."

The tornado continued traveling east, crossing State Route 138 causing tree and minor structural damage. The NWS shared, "the most intense damage occurred along Morrow Road. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted. Several outbuildings received considerable damage." The tornado weakened at approximately 1:08 a.m. with the final damage occurring near Fall Creek.

No fatalities or injuries were reported.

This tornado had maximum winds of 95 mph and a path width of 70 yards. It was on the ground for 3.1 miles.

A man died Sunday while saving two children from Lake Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin.

The Racine County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to North Beach about 3:05 p.m. for a water rescue.

Investigators said the man was unaccounted for after he went into the lake to save two boys.

"The children showed that they were in distress, and an adult male relative entered the water to save the children," the sheriff said. "The adult male assisted in the rescue of the young children; however, he did not emerge from the water."

Deputies quickly began to search for the man.

His body was pulled from the lake just after 4 p.m.

Lifesaving efforts were initiated and he was taken to Ascension All Saints Hospital.

That's where doctors pronounced him dead.

The sheriff's office said the family was visiting from Missouri.

The victim was described as a 40-year-old man.

He was identified Monday afternoon as Thomas J. Walker.

The ages of the children were not made public.

They were not injured.

"He was a kind soul and an amazing uncle to his niece and nephews. And how we lost him is a testament to how great an uncle and all-around guy he was. (We) never met a person who didn't like him. He is missed greatly," his family said in a prepared statement released by the sheriff.

The National Weather Service had issued a warning of hazardous water conditions on Lake Michigan Sunday.

It included Racine County beaches.

Life-threatening waves up to 5 feet in height and dangerous currents were possible.

"The sheriff's office commends the heroic actions of the man who assisted in saving the lives of these two young children," Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and his loved ones. We also encourage people to take the time to investigate current lake conditions before entering Lake Michigan and take all necessary precautions. This, like the other unfortunate drownings this summer, are tragic, incredibly sad, and preventable."

No other information was available.

The victim is the fourth person to drown at Racine beaches this summer.

The three other victims were children.

Watch the video above for the full story.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — The remnants of tropical storm Fred have closed roads and flooded basements in parts of upstate New York, and forecasters warn more flooding is possible.

As much as 4 inches of rain fell early Thursday in parts of western and central New York and swelled creeks and rivers.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service said that Fred could bring up to 5 inches of rain across eastern New York to New England.

The agency said flash flood watches were in effect for parts of New York and central New England.

"The flood risk associated with Fred is expected to diminish by early Friday," the NWS said in an update at 10 a.m. CT.

About 10 families evacuated their homes in the rural town of Western in central New York as waters rose.

Tropical Depression Fred blew into the northeastern U.S. on Wednesday after closing highways and cutting power to thousands in the South.

According to the Associated Press, roads were being barricaded by the Cayuga County sheriff's office near Finger Lakes due to flooded roads getting washed out, warning drivers to avoid crossing water-covered roads.

The AP reported that nearly 7,000 customers scattered across the state were without power Thursday morning, with central New York seeing the most.

According to the AP, Hudson Valley was issued a tornado warning, but it's unclear if a tornado touched down.

BOONE COUNTY, Ky. — Boone County Emergency Management tested its storm sirens Wednesday after a failure during last week's severe weather.

The National Weather Service said a tornado touched down in Petersburg Friday night. Storm sirens are designed to alert those who are outdoors to take cover, but people who live in the area said they did not hear them.

“And we had a house full of bed and breakfast guests,” said Jen Warner. “Some were in, and some were out. And I was out here working with the horses.”

Warner runs First Farm Inn on Stevens Road. That’s where the storm blew roofs off homes and tore down trees.

NWS said the tornado was on the ground from 9:09 to 9:14 p.m. and traveled 2.8 miles. Wind speeds maxed out at 90 miles an hour, making it an EF1 tornado.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office said the fiscal court is responsible for sounding the storm sirens. Staff said they tried to sound the alarm, but it did not work.

The county posted online: “A malfunction was immediately detected that prevented the sirens from sounding.”

Emergency management director Mark Ihrig said the vendor that supplies the system came out to check it Wednesday, at which point inspectors did not find anything wrong.

Ihrig said the county tests the system the first Wednesday of each month unless the weather is questionable outside. Staff did not want to confuse the public by sounding an alarm when storms could be passing through.

IIn June, the county did not test the system because of questionable weather, Ihrig said. The last test was performed in May.

WCPO 9 First Warning Weather meteorologist Raven Richard said, typically, sirens alert people when tornado warnings are active. That means radar spotted rotation.

“If there’s a tornado warning in your county, absolutely, go to your safe place. That’s not something to wait around with. That’s actually take action. A watch is like get ready to take action,” said Richard.

You can download the WCPO Storm Shield app on your phone to get alerts automatically. You can also set up alerts on a weather radio available at retail stores.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down during the severe weather the Tri-State experienced on the evening of Friday, June 18, into the morning hours of Saturday, July 19.

A storm survey of the area near Milan in Ripley County, Indiana, showed evidence that a tornado touched down near Prattsburg Road and traveled southeast.

Initial assessments show the tornado had winds in excess of 85 mph.

Storm survey information can be found here.

Ohio hasn’t had a single tornado in 2021, according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) storm events database.

From Jan. 1 through June 15, 2020, there were 23 tornado reports. A few were in January, several in April, one in May and about four in June.

Tornadoes can happen at any time during the year, but they typically have a peak in spring and fall.

RELATED: National Weather Service confirms 8 tornadoes swept across Ohio

This year has been particularly quiet so far as conditions haven’t been ideal for tornadoes or for big severe storm outbreaks. Ohio has been on the cooler side of storm systems, which reduces the risk for severe weather since warm air helps fuel storms.

Ohio averages about 19 tornadoes per year. This average was taken from 1991-2010.

In April 2020, a News 5 viewer captured a video of a tornado in Brunswick in Medina County.

The National Weather Service confirmed at the time the tornado caused EF-1 level damage.

RAW: Possible tornado in Brunswick

RELATED: How tornadoes form: Power of 5 meteorologist Trent Magill explains

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