Canadian Wildfires 'Choke' Several US Cities, Netizens Say 'Unreal Event Happening'

On Tuesday night air pollution levels in New York reached hazardous levels, ranking the city as one of the world’s worst in terms of air quality.

Canadian wildfires 'choke' several US cities, including New York

Source : Getty

Wildfires in Canada have not only displaced thousands of people across the country but also caused hazy skies and unhealthy conditions across a large part of the eastern United States. The Air Quality Index hit 484 on a scale of 500 Wednesday evening with officials calling it an "unprecedented" event. Places like New York, Pennsylvania and even as far as Indiana have been shrouded in thick haze, causing flight delays. On Tuesday night air pollution levels in New York reached hazardous levels, ranking the city as one of the world’s worst in terms of air quality. Residents have been advised to wear masks and stay indoors until the air quality improves. 

National Weather Service New York shared a video of thick haze enveloping the city.

"Check out this almost unbelievable time-lapse of wildfire smoke consuming the World Trade Center and the New York City skyline. Those vulnerable to poor air quality, including seniors and young children, should limit time outdoors if possible," read the caption of the video.

Check out this almost unbelievable time-lapse of wildfire smoke consuming the World Trade Center and the New York City skyline.

Those vulnerable to poor air quality, including seniors and young children, should limit time outdoors if possible.

More: https://t.co/ChRuWv7X6E pic.twitter.com/mtKtLun8lN

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) June 7, 2023

Since being shared, the clip has amassed close to 7 million views and several comments expressing disbelief.

"Wow.. I’m in Buffalo. My eyes are watering like crazy. Windows shut in my house. Unreal event happening," commented one user after seeing the video.

Wow.. I’m in Buffalo. My eyes are watering like crazy. Windows shut in my house. Unreal event happening

— Rick Serley (@rickyran805) June 7, 2023

"To me, who was on Ground 0 at 17:00 EDT with a painter's mask and bandanna, inhaled and experienced horrendous smoke. This wildfire smoke takes me to the horror. it's painful worst," wrote another user highlighting the difficulty in breathing.

To me, who was on Ground 0 at 17:00 EDT with a painter's mask and bandanna, inhaled and experienced horrendous smoke. This wildfire smoke takes me to the horror. it's painful worst.

— W.A. Knight (@waknight0) June 8, 2023

While another commented, "Isn’t this what areas of China look like on a daily basis due to coal burning?".

Isn’t this what areas of China look like on a daily basis due to coal burning?

— Justin Tyler Norton (@NomadNort) June 8, 2023

"This is crazy. The situation in New York seems to be worse than anywhere in Canada. How is that even possible hundreds of miles away?", wrote a fifth in astonishment.

This is crazy. The situation in New York seems to be worse than anywhere in Canada. How is that even possible hundreds of miles away?

— Jean Robert "JR" Turgeon 🇨🇦 🇫🇷 🇺🇦⛵🚴(5💉) (@JRTurgeon13) June 7, 2023

"To climate change deniers: is this the world we want to leave to our children and grandchildren? #climatechange #HealthEquity #SDOH," commented another user.

To climate change deniers: is this the world we want to leave to our children and grandchildren? #climatechange #HealthEquity #SDOH

— Renata Schiavo (@RenataSNYC) June 7, 2023