Balloons Likely Cancelled for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Monday, November 25, 2019
GoLocalPDX News Team
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| PHOTO: Andrew Dallos/Flickr Commons |
According to Macy's Parade spokesman Orlando Veras, balloons can only be operated if sustained wind conditions stay below 23 mph and wind gusts are not expected to exceed 34 mph based on New York City regulations.
AccuWeather reports, the wind is expected to be more severe than that.
"Gusts are forecast to frequent 30-50 mph from the north and northwest on Thanksgiving Day in the New York metro area," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Travis.
AccuWeather adds that higher gusts are possible between the buildings where the wind is funneled and over the bridges where there are no obstructions.
"Winds this strong will be a safety concern for balloon handlers and spectators along the parade route," said Travis.
The balloons are scheduled to be inflated the afternoon and evening before the parade near the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan.
The last time the parade's balloons were grounded due to inclement weather was nearly 50 years ago in 1971, according to The New York Times.
Strong Winds Expected on Thanksgiving
According to AccuWeather, winds could be strong enough to cause problems from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday.
Along with the winds, rain showers will be in the vicinity during Wednesday afternoon and evening.
AccuWeather adds that the winds may ease by Friday afternoon, blustery conditions may continue in New York City, as well as New England into the weekend.
