AEUS73 KABR 121605 AQAABR Air Quality Alert Message Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Relayed by National Weather Service Aberdeen SD 1050 AM CDT Sun May 12 2024 MNZ039-046-131700- Big Stone-Traverse- Including the city of Ortonville 1050 AM CDT Sun May 12 2024 ...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CDT MONDAY... * WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Red or Unhealthy category. * WHERE...Traverse and Big Stone counties in Minnesota. * WHEN...Until noon CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A band of very heavy smoke from wildfires in northeast British Columbia has moved into northern Minnesota and will sweep south across the state on Sunday behind a cold front. The smoke will reach central Minnesota by Sunday afternoon. Smoke will persist through midday Monday across central Minnesota and air quality will gradually improve through the day as the smoke begins to disperse. Air quality is expected to reach the Red (Unhealthy) category for much of the state. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. The general public should limit prolonged or heavy exertion. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors. && For information on current air quality conditions in your area and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert notifications by email, text message, phone, or the EPA AirNow mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/current-air- quality-conditions. You can find additional information about health and air quality at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- climate/air-quality-and-health. $$ MMM