Air Show Cancellation Causes Disappointment

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Due to weather conditions, organizers of the Ft. Lauderdale Air Show were forced to cancel Sunday's performance.

"After consulting with city officials in regards to public safety, the Lauderdale Air Show has been canceled for Sunday," show officials posted on their Facebook page.

"It was devastating," air show worker Leo Abate said after he learned the news. "There were a lot of sad faces, a lot of work in preparing for this, we've been preparing for this like six months."

But Abate realized the right decision was made.

"We had rain bands coming just like our hurricanes and it just was not safe to put people out there on the beach," said Abate. "They had an issue on the beach with water, standing water, and the tents and things like that."

Many like U.S. Air Force Rob Ceravolo, who has flown in air shows including the previous ones in Ft. Lauderdale, were happy that Saturday's show was a go.

"Oh it was fantastic, I mean this is my hometown and I flew in the show in 2006," said Ceravolo. "I brought the F14 down for that and we haven't seen a show in five years in Ft. Lauderdale. So I was really excited to have the show back and I was really proud to be a part of it."

On Saturday, the Ft. Lauderdale police estimated a crowd of up to half a million packed the sand and beach side hotels to watch the show which featured the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles Flag Jump, the U.S. Navy Seals Leap Frogs, U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Team, as well as the Black Diamond Jet Team and the Red Bull Air Force One.

The headliners of the show, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, were forced to cancel their performance due weather conditions.

Show organizers said people who had tickets for Sunday's show will be able to use them next year.

"The Lauderdale Air Show has decided to honor Sunday tickets for the 2012 Show on Sunday in 2013.  Tickets will be released as soon as 2013 dates are confirmed.  We appreciate the support of our sponsors and patrons, and look forward to bringing the show back in the future," said Show organizer Dev Motwani.

Due to all the rain expected over the next 48 hours, a Flood Watch was issued by the National Weather Service for South Florida.

Total rainfall amounts over the watch area will range from 3 to 5 inches through Monday evening, with locally higher amounts, perhaps up to 8 inches in a few locales. The heaviest rainfall is likely to fall over eastern portions of Miami Dade and Broward counties.