Winter Harbor, ME Severe Weather Alertstar_ratehome

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air
Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert for particle pollution until
11 PM EDT this evening.

Particle pollution levels are in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
for the Eastern Interior, Mid-Coast, and Downeast Coastal regions. A
plume of smoke moved into Maine overnight bringing much higher
particle pollution values than previously expected. As the day
progresses, the plume of smoke is expected to keep moving and values
should drop down but air quality will continue to be a health concern
for much of the day for these regions.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that
individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to
reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be
especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants
include the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing
respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and
anyone who is working hard outdoors. But if you experience symptoms
such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an
uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the
intensity and duration of your outdoor activities.

A toll free air quality hotline has been established so Maine
residents can stay informed on the air quality situations. The toll
free number is: 1-800-223-1196.

Additionally the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has
the air quality forecast available on the web at
www.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast.

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...The warm air temperatures around 80 may cause people to
underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which
are currently in the low to mid 50s.

* WHERE...Coastal Hancock and Coastal Washington Counties.

* WHEN...From 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening.

* IMPACTS...The cold water temperatures can quickly cause
hypothermia to anyone in the water. Anyone on a boat or
paddlecraft should use extreme caution.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazards Statement is issued on days when a significant
number of boats and paddlecraft are expected to be out on the
water and when warm air temperatures may cause people to
underestimate the danger of the cold water. Paddle smart from the
start. Always wear your life jacket. Be aware of wind conditions,
tides, and localized currents.

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