Wildfire Smoke Delays Newark Airport Flights, FAA Says

NEWARK, NJ — Flight delays were seen at Newark Airport on Wednesday due to the ongoing wildfire smoke situation, reports say.

Departures to Newark saw ground delays that averaged 82 minutes due to “low visibility,” according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

“The current smoke condition may impact your travel,” the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey tweeted at 12:12 p.m. “Please check with your airline to determine the status of your flight.”

A strange-looking sun, a hazy horizon and the smell of smoke raised questions – as well as alerts – across Essex County on Tuesday evening. Newark was among the New Jersey towns that was reportedly exposed to the smoke, which officials say is coming from massive wildfires burning across Canada.

A Fox News weather report showed a thick haze blanketing the area on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has been warning people in New Jersey and points north to stay inside if they have respiratory conditions, due to particulates in the air from the wildfires.

• See Related: Air Hits 'Unhealthy' Level In Newark Due To Wildfire Smoke (Update)

John Muller, a North Jersey resident who lives near the airport, said the situation has gone from a "curiosity" to a "health emergency" for many people.

"Here in Clifton, the sky has turned a golden yellow and the smell is terrible," Muller told Patch. "We're wearing masks inside of our home. And with our health issues, this is a bad situation for us ... and for thousands of people around our area."

• See Related: Smoke From Canada Wildfires Makes Its Way To Newark, Officials Say

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