TORONTO – As a storm continues to make its way up the east coast of the United States, there’s the threat that high winds could leave New York’s traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade without its balloons.
A large weather system is making its way up from the southwestern United States bringing snow and freezing rain to parts of the south and east states.
It is expected to intensify as it continues northeast, bringing snow and high winds to the northeastern states.
READ MORE: Winter storm threatens U.S. holiday travel And that includes New York.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Thursday is Thanksgiving in the U.S. and that means the traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a parade of floats, and, most notably, large character balloons that sweep through the streets of New York. Bad weather, particularly high winds, mean trouble.
“The Parade goes on rain or shine,” Orlando Veras, a media relations officer from Macy’s, told Global News.
When it comes to the balloons, Veras said, “We are closely monitoring the weather as we do each year. Based on the city’s guidelines, no giant character balloon will be operated when there are sustained wind conditions exceeding 23 mph and wind gusts exceeding 34 mph. At this time, it is too early to make any determinations on the flight of the giant balloons.”
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for New York State until Wednesday night, calling for winds of 20 mph to 30 mph with gusts near 50 mph.
Though the storm is expected to push through by Thursday, winds on Thursday will remain around 20 mph, very near the threshold.
The storm is expected to bring rain and snow to the area. There is also the possibility of some flooding.
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