Code Orange air quality alerts return for some Eastern Carolina counties

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) - State air quality experts say Code Orange conditions have returned to parts of Eastern Carolina, specifically counties closer to the Virginia border and the Triangle.

The Department of Environmental Quality says a Code Orange will be in effect for Wake, Johnston, Franklin, Nash, Wilson, Warren, Halifax, Edgecombe, Martin, Northampton, Bertie, Hertford, Gates, Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank, Perquimans and Chowan Counties. The rest of Eastern Carolina is under Code Yellow today.

Code Orange conditions create problems for those with respiratory conditions, those who are elderly or very young. The code yellow conditions can still create issues for people with serious respiratory conditions or highly sensitive lungs.

People with breathing problems should stay inside as much as possible because of the smoke.

The Department of Environmental Quality’s air quality forecast says Code Yellow, or moderate air quality, will continue into Saturday for Eastern Carolina, while good conditions, Code Green, will return on Sunday.