The Wisconsin State Fair has temporarily closed entrances and gates Sunday, Aug. 9, as a severe thunderstorm moves through the area.
The fair is also directing people to take shelter in permanent buildings, such as the Dairy Building, Exposition Center, Wisconsin Building and Grand Champion Hall, according to its website.
The fair initially directed attendees to seek shelter immediately at 11:23 a.m. in response to a severe thunderstorm warning. At 11:36 a.m., the fair reiterated that guidance after a severe thunderstorm warning was issued.
“We are closely monitoring the weather conditions so stay tuned for additional updates here and on our website,” the fair’s website reads.
Milwaukee County was under a severe thunderstorm warning until 12 p.m. That warning area includes West Allis, where the State Fair is held.
“People attending The State Fair, Greenfield Farmers Market and The Riverwest Farmers Market should seek safe shelter immediately!” the National Weather Service’s warning states.
Main threats include wind gusts up to 60 mph, penny-sized hail, torrential rainfall and lightning.
Storms could linger along the Lake Michigan shoreline until 3 p.m., according to the NWS. It’s not yet clear whether storms will redevelop between 5 and 10 p.m. for additional rounds of rain, but those storms are likely to be scattered.
The Wisconsin State Fair’s weather policy states that all shows and events are rain or shine, but in the event of severe weather, attendees should call (414) 266-7000, check State Fair social media platforms or stop at a Fair Information Center.
Last year, historic flooding forced the Wisconsin State Fair to cancel its closing day, falling short of its recent one-million-plus attendance standard.
Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin State Fair temporarily closes gates as thunderstorm rolls in
Reporting by Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
