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Strong Winds Might Ground Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 25, 2013
Modified Nov 25, 2013
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By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 25, 2013
Modified Nov 25, 2013
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As we freak out about a possible Nor'easter snarling Thanksgiving travel, let's not forget the implications of bad weather that may impact our temporary New Yorkers on Thanksgiving: The big balloons at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Post reports, "The big concern is a projected ill wind blowing on Thanksgiving — which could ground the biggest balloons in the Macy’s parade. Store officials said some 16 balloons would not fly if gusts exceed 34 mph." According to AccuWeather, "There could be a few isolated gusts to 35 mph."
The parade organizers made efforts to be extra vigilant about winds and its beloved balloons after two notable incidents: In 2005, M&M balloons hit a streetlamp, which fell on two spectators on 43rd Street in Times Square, an 11-year-old girl and her 26-year-old sister who was in a wheelchair; and in 1997, the Cat in the Hat balloon hit a streetlamp at West 72nd Street and Central Park West, which fell onto a 33-year-old woman who would turn 34 during her monthlong coma.
In previous years when weather has been a concern, balloons have been flown closer to the ground.
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balloons
macy's thanksgiving day parade
thanksgiving day parade
weather
wind
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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