Governor's OfficeTier 1
Air-quality advisory escalates: five regions hit "Unhealthy" as enhanced severe-storm risk, isolated-tornado chance and NYC/LI flood watches stack up
DEC and DOH issued a July 18 Air Quality Health Advisory with Western NY, Central NY, Eastern Lake Ontario, NYC Metro and Long Island forecast to reach "Unhealthy" from Canadian/Minnesota wildfire smoke, while Hochul flagged an Enhanced Risk of severe thunderstorms Saturday across Western NY, Finger Lakes, Central NY, Mid-Hudson and NYC — damaging winds and an isolated tornado possible — with Flood Watches for NYC and Long Island. Escalates the Jul 16 statewide advisory that included 100K+ N95 mask shipments.
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Source: Governor's Office · Jul 18, 2026 · Credibility Tier 1 · Permalink https://reviewhochul.com/news/air-quality-severe-weather-escalation-jul-18-2026
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