Weather Information

EAA AirVenture is a rain or shine event, but the safety of pilots and attendees is paramount. Inclement weather may occasionally delay flying activities, but every effort will be made to produce the afternoon air show unless safety margins cannot be met.

In case of severe weather, warnings and instructions will be given over the AirVenture public address system and other communications methods, including Twitter (@EAAupdate), Facebook, and text messaging alerts to your cell phone.

Additional resources for severe weather text message notifications (Oshkosh zip code is 54902):

• The Weather Channel
• AccuWeather
• My State USA
• Weather Bug (subscription)

Watches, Warnings & What To Do

If severe weather develops or has the potential to develop, the National Weather Service will issue a watch or warning based on an approaching storm's potential or current strength.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch / Tornado Watch

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces 3/4-inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles per hour. A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.

The size of a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch can vary depending on the weather situation, and is usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. A watch is normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

• Secure items that could be blown away in high winds.
• Continue to monitor weather for any changes or additional alerts.
• Be prepared to unplug your electric cord from the electric pedestal.
• If you are camping by your aircraft, make sure your aircraft is tied down securely. "Dog leash" tie downs are may not be used to secure your aircraft.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Seek safe shelter immediately. Winnebago County emergency sirens will activate, indicating a warning is in effect. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when either a severe thunderstorm is indicated by radar or a spotter reports a thunderstorm producing hail 3/4-inch or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles per hour. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning. The warning is usually issued for a duration of one hour, and can be issued without a Severe Thunderstorm Watch being already in effect.

• If you are on the AirVenture grounds, seek shelter in a sturdy building or inside a frame exhibitor tent.
• If you are in Camp Scholler, take shelter in your camper. If you are in a tent or small camper (i.e. pop-up), take shelter in your vehicle.
• If you are in your vehicle, crouch below the window line and turn the engine on. This will allow the vehicle's airbags to be deployed.
• If shelter is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles, but make sure the spot is not prone to flash flooding.
• If you cannot avoid trees, try to stay in the area of shorter trees.
• Cover your head with your hands and lie face down on the ground.

Tornado Warning

Seek safe shelter immediately. Winnebago County emergency sirens will activate, indicating a warning is in effect. A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is indicated by the radar or sighted by spotters. It can be issued without a Tornado Watch being already in effect, and is usually issued for a duration of around 30 minutes. The warning will include where the tornado was located and what towns will be in its path. If the thunderstorm which is causing the tornado is also producing torrential rains, this warning may also be combined with a Flash Flood Warning.

• Find a sturdy building to seek shelter, or seek shelter in your vehicle. NOTE! Do not seek shelter under a frame tent or in your camper.
• If you are in your vehicle, crouch below the window line and turn the engine on. This will allow the vehicle's airbags to be deployed.
• If shelter or a vehicle is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles, but make sure the spot is not prone to flash flooding.
• If you cannot avoid trees, try to stay in the area of shorter trees.
• Cover your head with your hands and lie face down on the ground.

Pilot Briefings

Weather briefings for pilots on the AirVenture grounds are available at the FAA building, next to the control tower. Briefings are also available at north and south briefing annexes.

• The North Briefing Annex is located in a mobile trailer in the North 40 area, across from the registration building. AirVenture admission is not required to access this facility from the North 40.
• The South Briefing Annex is located in a mobile trailer directly north of the Ultralight runway.

Tying Down Your Aircraft

The best way to prevent your aircraft from being damaged in a storm is tying it securely when you arrive. Tiedowns are required at EAA AirVenture for the safety of all aircraft and visitors. Top tips for properly tying down your aircraft are available here.