Neighboring wildfires burning in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia prompted record low air quality ratings in Seattle on Tuesday, August 21.
This video, shared by Seattle resident Arturo Toledo, shows cars driving on the 520 bridge in the direction of downtown, the view obscured by the heavy smoke.
Local media reported that more than 300 flights were delayed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport because of low visibility, and that streets and parks were quieter than usual. Many who were outside wore masks to shield themselves from the smoky air.
The Washington city has battled poor air quality for the past two weeks.
Authorities said that winds would likely push the smoke away from Seattle and towards British Columbia and Alberta on Wednesday, leaving residents the chance to a breath of fresh air.
