Weather grounds morning Freedom Balloon Fest flights
Morning flights participating in the Freedom Balloon Fest were canceled Saturday because of weather-related issues, according to officials and observers at the event.
Posted — UpdatedBalloons had been scheduled to take to the skies over Fleming Loop Park shortly after 6 a.m. but fog and low clouds prompted organizers to halt the take offs, said Sarah Hattman, a spokeswoman for the event.
"Meteorologists look at a wide variety of factors to determine if the balloons will launch, including wind, rain, visibility and surrounding weather," Hattman told WRAL.com Saturday morning. She said forecasters will be "closely watching the weather" to determine if the evening flights will go on as planned.
Other events at this year's balloon festival will include arts and crafts displays, live music and animal events.
Saturday's evening schedule of events include evening mass balloon ascensions and flights as long as the weather cooperates.
"The storms will be hit-and-miss but there could be heavy downpours," he said.
Related Topics
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
