HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The National Weather Service has issues a series of alerts, in effect today, and in some cases, through Saturday.
Air quality alert: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy officials declared Thursday, July 18, 2019, an action day for elevated levels of ozone.
Pollutants are expected to be in the unhealthy range for sensitive group. People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which lead to ozone formation: refueling vehicles, or topping off when refueling, using gasoline-powered lawn equipment, or charcoal lighter fluid.
People can help by car pooling; biking to work; delaying or combining errands; and using water-based paints. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Learn more at michigan.gov/egle.
This applies to Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Van Buren counties.
Beach-hazard statement, in effect through Friday evening, July 19, 2019. Ottawa County dispatchers have issued a request to stay out of the water.
High wave action, combined with strong currents are causing dangerous swimming conditions. Rip currents are possible. Learn more at weather.gov.
Waves will likely overtop breakwater piers, potentially sweeping people into the water and away from shore. Stay off the piers.
This applies to Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, and Van Buren counties.
Excessive heat warning, through Saturday evening: High temperatures and muggy conditions lead to heat indices approaching 100 degrees or higher through Saturday night.
This applies to Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Clinton Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, and Van Buren counties.
Heat illnesses are likely for anyone spending prolonged periods outside or in non-air conditioned environments and is most dangerous to the elderly and young children.
- Non-air conditioned car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in minutes.
- Direct sun on pets and other animals will accentuate chances for heat illnesses. Limit time spent outside and plan strenuous activities for early morning or evening.
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. Drink plenty of water.
- Outdoor workers should get frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. reduce risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
- Move anyone overcome by heat to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency; call 911.
Learn more at ready.gov/heat.
