NEW YORK (WABC) -- It will be a one-two punch of bad weather on Saturday: Smoky skies followed by severe storms that have already prompted a Flash Flood Warning as downpours drench parts of the region.
After a welcome reprieve on Friday, smoke from Canadian wildfires returned to New York City and the Tri-State area on Saturday, once again creating unhealthy air quality.
Those smoky conditions are expected to gradually improve through the day as winds shift, but a new problem has emerged: Strong to severe thunderstorms, which, while helping to clear the smoke, will bring a round of hazardous weather to much of the region. The first powerful storm swept through parts of northern New Jersey and New York City, with a Flash Flood Warning in effect through 2 pm.
The storms could produce flooding downpours, damaging wind gusts and even a few isolated tornadoes, making for a stormy finish to the day.
Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, or fatigue, and can aggravate heart and lung diseases and other chronic health issues.
Experts suggest reducing or eliminating outdoor activities, wearing an N95 mask if you have to be outside and keeping your indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner.
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Researchers have found that every few hours spent outside when air quality is in the unhealthy range (AQI above 201), is roughly the equivalent of smoking a cigarette, according to the New York City Office of Emergency Management.
New York City's air quality hit at least 270 on Thursday evening.
New York City air quality has reached "very unhealthy" levels.
As of 8 p.m., the air quality had reached 270 in New York City.
An AQI level between 201-300 falls under the "very unhealthy" category, meaning the air can pose serious health risks to everyone, not just sensitive groups.
Researchers have found that every few hours spent outside at this level is roughly the equivalent of smoking a cigarette, according to the New York City Office of Emergency Management.
NYCEM has provided measures on what you should do to stay safe:
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires suffocated the sun above, nearly wiping away Lady Liberty from view and shrouding the Lower Manhattan skyline in an apocalyptic haze on Thursday evening.
The scene gave some New Yorkers a tinge of nostalgia - a throwback to a time most would rather forget.
In Washington Heights, face coverings and masks made a comeback.
"You know what I feel like? Like a pandemic. The COVID. We had to wear masks. It's really weird," Carmen Baez said.
"I bought this for COVID and now I'm reusing it for smoke," said Anna Maria, who picked up a mask.
The city has been handing out free KN95 masks at places like libraries, transit hubs, hospitals, and police precincts.
Pregnant women, older adults, children, and those with heart or lung conditions are being urged to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
Health experts say it can start with sinus pressure and nasal congestion, but the inflammation can then travel into the lungs, and that's what can cause respiratory complications.
