The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is one of the neighborhood’s signature events, but Thursday’s forecast calls for high winds that could force organizers to ground the balloons.
Cue the sad faces.
The forecast for Thursday is for average wind speeds of 19 mph, although they could gust as fast as 30-40 mph. If the average winds rise over 23 mph, balloons could be grounded or at least be forced to fly lower. NBC notes that people have previously been injured in the parade:
“Two sisters were injured in 2005, when tethers from the M&M’s Chocolate Candies balloon became entangled on the head of a street lamp. The women suffered cuts and bruises.
And in 1997, two people were seriously hurt as a Cat in the Hat balloon slammed into a metal pole.”
Macy’s says that it will make the determination on the day of the parade after consulting with the city.
Photo of Virginia from “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” by Nellies78.