Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Air Quality and Potential for Severe Weather

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on rapidly-changing air quality conditions caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota and high temperatures, as well as the potential for severe thunderstorms beginning Saturday morning. An updated Air Quality Health Advisory for particulate matter remains in effect for today, July 17, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. Air quality conditions improved in portions of the state through Friday afternoon, but shifts in the wildfire plume are expected to negatively impact air quality statewide on Saturday.

For portions of Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mid-Hudson and New York City, there is an Enhanced Risk meaning a greater likelihood, for severe thunderstorms through Saturday evening. Damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of tornadoes could occur with these storms. There is also a Slight Risk for flash flooding for New York City and Long Island with flood watches already issued. Governor Hochul has directed all state agencies to prepare for the incoming severe weather and continued to urge all New Yorkers, particularly sensitive groups, to continue to take precautions to protect their health and to monitor local air quality conditions using trusted sources, including AirNow.gov.

"While air quality has improved in portions of the State throughout Friday afternoon, lingering effects of smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to impact air quality into Saturday," Governor Hochul said. "We expect rain to bring some much-needed relief to New Yorkers experiencing poor air quality over the weekend, but with it we may see the possibility of severe storms, flooding and tornados. I remind everyone to take this weather seriously: Take precautions, know what to do if a storm reaches your areas and remember to stay air quality aware to protect your health. Stay informed by checking trusted sources for air quality and weather forecasts, and don't forget to check on friends and family members who might need assistance."

The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for tomorrow, July 18, for the Western New York, Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, New York City Metro and Long Island regions where air quality is forecast to reach levels that are 'Unhealthy.' The Adirondacks, Upper Hudson Valley and Lower Hudson Valley regions are forecast to reach 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.' Smoke causing temporary spikes of unhealthy air may affect other regions as the plume continues to move across the state. DEC and DOH will be closely monitoring conditions to make any necessary changes to advisories.

At the Governor's direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) made over 100,000 high-quality N95-style masks available to all counties to address air quality impacts. DHSES has received requests from Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie and Warren Counties and provided an additional 70,000 masks to the New York City area for local distribution, and to the National Guard, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) staff and the Port Authority for distribution at regional transportation hubs across the five boroughs. More than 40,000 masks have been handed out over the past two days as part of this state-led distribution. Masks have also been made available at Thruway Rest Stops - Angola, Clifton Springs, New Baltimore and Ramapo. The Office of Emergency Management remains in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance.

While areas of smoke and hazy conditions will continue through tomorrow, there is an Enhanced Risk for portions of the state tomorrow for scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms. Main hazards include damaging winds and heavy rainfall with the possibility of an isolated tornado. Portions of Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson and New York City can expect scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms. While a first round of showers and thunderstorms could develop during the morning hours, the primary timing of severe storms is during the afternoon and evening hours.

Showers and thunderstorms moving across the state tomorrow will be capable of producing heavy rainfall. Widespread rainfall amounts from tomorrow morning through tomorrow night range between 0.5 inches to 1 inch with rainfall rates reaching between 0.5 to 1 inches per hour with thunderstorms. Locally higher amounts are possible where the heaviest rainfall occurs with thunderstorms tomorrow. There is a Slight Risk for flooding for New York City and Long Island with a Flood Watch issued for those areas.

How to Stay Prepared

• Closely monitor your local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, New Yorkers can visit the National Weather Service website.
• New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones and sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
• To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, New Yorkers can sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts.
• A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.
• New Yorkers should also continue to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) at www.AirNow.gov, New York State's trusted source for air quality monitoring data, and take action when levels exceed safe thresholds.

Recommendations for New Yorkers in Areas of Poor Air Quality

• Sensitive groups should take particular caution.
• Where the air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, New Yorkers with underlying health conditions should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms.
• In areas where the air is considered unhealthy, people who are especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms. Avoid spending time outdoors, if possible. People more sensitive to smoke-related pollution include those with heart or breathing problems, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people and those who exercise or work outdoors.
• If you must go outside when air quality levels are considered unhealthy, do not overexert yourself and find a well-fitting mask to wear.
• Remember to take steps to cool off in air conditioning for at least a few hours because it's also hot outside and indoor and outdoor temperatures can climb quickly.
• Staying indoors in a smoke-free environment can lower your exposure.
• Those who experience symptoms or have symptoms that worsen should consider consulting their medical provider.
• View additional tips available here.

Exposure to unhealthy air quality conditions can pose negative health impacts, including irritation to eyes, nose or throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. These conditions are especially dangerous for vulnerable New Yorkers with medical conditions such as asthma and/or heart disease. New Yorkers should also be sure to protect their pets, limiting outdoor exposure when air quality hits unhealthy levels.

Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that can produce winds over 50 miles per hour, lightning, hail and cause flash flooding and tornadoes.

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately.
• Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.
• Get out of boats and away from water.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
• Do not take a bath or shower.
• Turn off air conditioners - power surges from lightning can overload compressors.
• Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible.
• Do not attempt to drive to safety - most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.
• If outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees.
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; place your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible; and minimize your contact with the ground.

Tornado Safety Tips

• If outdoors: Seek shelter in a substantial building immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
• If at home or in a small building: Go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
• If in a school, hospital, or shopping center: Go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
• If in a high-rise building: Go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use the elevators. Use the stairs.
• If in a mobile home or vehicle: Get out of mobile homes or vehicles - they are easily tossed about by strong winds in the tornado.
• Take shelter in a substantial structure: If there is no shelter near-by, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.

Flood Safety

• During flash flooding, never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way. If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

• Central Hudson: Electric: 800-527-2714 or Gas: 800-942-8274
• Con Ed: Electric: 800-752-6633 or Gas: 800-752-6633
• Corning Gas: 800-834-2134
• Liberty Utilities (St. Lawrence Gas) Corp.: 800-673-3301
• National Fuel Gas: 1-800-444-3130
• National Grid:
• Electric: 800-867-5222
• Long Island (gas): 1-800-490-0045
• Metro NYC (gas): 1-718-643-4050
• Upstate (gas): 1-800-892-2345
• NYSEG: Electric: 800-572-1131 or Gas: 800-572-1121
• O&R: Electric: 877-434-4100 or Gas: 800-533-5325
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: Electric: 800-743-1701 or Gas: 800-743-1702