Severe weather, with the threat of flooded roads and lightning, has forced the cancellation of Saturday night’s Wings Over North Georgia Smoke-n-Thunder concert by the Charlie Daniels Band.
“While we’re disappointed by the unpredictable weather, the safety of Charlie’s fans is paramount,” said John Cowman, JLC Airshow president.
Mr. Cowman explained that the Russell Regional Airport facility is not equipped for the large expected crowds to take shelter during forecasted thunderstorms, and that the possibility of road flooding could make driving to and from the event hazardous.
“Charlie was waiting in the wings, hoping this weather would cooperate. But he hopes to return to Rome next fall and put on a terrific make-up show,” said Charlie Daniels Road Manager Jimmy Burton.
Fans with reserved concert tickets for tonight (purchased in addition to general airshow entry) will be able to use their tickets at a rescheduled Smoke and Thunder Concert in the fall of 2016.
Earlier Saturday morning, officials made the decision to postpone Saturday’s Wings Over North Georgia Airshow in Rome, GA. Event staff personnel have closely monitored weather conditions all week. Earlier forecasts indicated possible improvements, however, based on updates received on Saturday morning, the decision was made to postpone. In addition to unsafe weather for airshow fans, low clouds and visibility did not meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) minimum conditions required for the aircraft to perform.
Officials are continuing to monitor the weather and are hopeful to perform the full airshow on Sunday.Saturday air show tickets will be honored as a makeup. Updates will be posted on the Wings Over North Georgia Facebook page and website, and more media alerts will follow during the day.