Thunder Over the Valley Cancelled Due to Severe Weather

Heavy rain and 40-knot crosswinds forced cancellation of the Thunder Over the Valley airshow Saturday, disappointing thousands of spectators who had traveled to the event.

Organizers announced the cancellation at 9 AM after morning weather briefings confirmed conditions would remain unsafe throughout the day. Thunderstorm cells moving through the region produced dangerous wind shear conditions incompatible with low-altitude aerobatic flying.

The Blue Angels, scheduled as headliners, require minimum weather conditions including three-mile visibility and cloud ceilings above 1,500 feet for their “low show.” Saturday’s conditions fell well below these thresholds.

Ticket holders can request refunds through the event website or apply their purchase toward next year’s show at a discounted rate. Organizers estimate the cancellation affects approximately 45,000 attendees and results in significant financial impact for local businesses.

Weather-related cancellations represent the most common reason airshows don’t fly as scheduled. Safety remains the absolute priority for demonstration teams and civilian performers alike. Several performers may participate in Sunday’s backup date if conditions improve overnight.