Snowbirds Had Stopped In Athens, GA To Wait For A Decision About The Show

The Wings Over Golden Isles Air Show scheduled for this weekend in Brunswick, GA has been canceled after Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (pictured) declared a state of emergency due to the approach of hurricane Matthew. Glynn County officials issued a voluntary evacuation notice based on the latest projections for Hurricane Matthew. While the “cone of uncertainty” continues to change, high winds and flooding are very likely for the Golden Isles area, with the continued possibility of more extreme weather conditions developing. Emergency procedures have been implemented for the area as the storm approaches.

JLC AirShow Management made the decision to cancel the Wings Over the Golden Isles Air Show in the interest of public safety. Air show resources have been reallocated to assist with hurricane evacuation and preparation. “Given the potential threat to the Brunswick, GA area, it was best to stand down and forego further preparations. Redistributing our resources towards helping with emergency management and recovery is in the best interests of the community,” shared John Cowman during a Wednesday morning emergency management meeting. “We want to be part of the solution.”

The Canadian Air Force Snowbirds precision demonstration team, which was scheduled to perform at the show, made a stop in Athens, GA as a precautionary measure in the face of the approaching storm.  

The Florida Times Union reports that the team had performed in Kentucky, and was en route to Brunswick on the Georgia coast, a trip that required a fuel stop in Athens. When they looked at the hurricane, they decided to stay put until the track of the storm was better known, according JLC Air Show Management spokeswoman Brenda Little.

Two of the team's aircraft had already flown to Brunswick, but they returned to Athens to keep the team together.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.nhc.noaa.gov