Smoke Closes Container Terminals at U.S. East Coast's Busiest Port

A view from the top of the Rockefeller Center, as haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada hang over the Manhattan skyline, in New York City, New York, U.S., June 7, 2023. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Update: All marine terminals were open and operating normally on Thursday as officials continue to monitor air quality.

Container terminals at the Port of New York and New Jersey closed early Wednesday as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfed the region.

"Today, 6/7 APMT, MAHER, PNCT, GCT Bayonne & Columbia operations will stop & gates will be closed at 3PM due to poor air quality. Normal operations tomorrow 6/8," the U.S. East Coast's busiest port said in a Tweet.

Air quality alerts have been issued across the Northeast. The FAA even slowed traffic to and from New York City area airports due to reduced visibility from wildfire smoke. The EPA's air quality monitor was was at "hazardous" levels, the highest warning level, across much of the Tri-State area and the public was being warned to avoid all outdoor physical activity.

To give you an idea of how bad the air quality got, check out this time-lapse from this afternoon from the National Weather Service:

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

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Update: