Flash flood warnings strike north-east US amid wildfire smoke from Canada
The northeastern U.S. is facing a dual weather crisis as wildfire smoke from Canada returns to New York City, followed by severe thunderstorms and flash flooding. Infrastructure in the region is struggling to cope with the intense rainfall.
Why it matters
The event underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather patterns and the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to climate-related events.
New York City on 16 March 2026. New York City on 16 March 2026. US weather Flash flood warnings strike north-east US amid wildfire smoke from Canada Poor air quality from wildfires continues to plague New York City as neighborhoods hit by thunderstorms
Prefer the Guardian on Google Saturday is delivering a double dose of dangerous weather across the north-eastern US, with smoky skies from Canadian wildfires giving way to severe thunderstorms that have already triggered a flash flood warning as torrential rain pounds parts of the region.
After a brief break on Friday, smoke from the wildfires moved back into New York City and surrounding communities on Saturday, sending air quality back into unhealthy levels .
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