Weather Policies

[Sporlo]

I was wondering if anyone knows the weather policy for different types of rides. Does lightning shut down all outdoor rides or just tall ones?

[CoasterDemon]

It varies. Should clear up today. Or they might just shut the whole place down. Never know with Six Flags operations.

[Sporlo]

Awesome. Thanks, this is cool.

Is there a specific time after lightning that must be waited?

[RaceBoarder]

Awesome. Thanks, this is cool.

Is there a specific time after lightning that must be waited?

Usually 20 to 30 minutes without Lightning within the specified ranges... I assume that SFGAm uses a Thor-Guard system or something similar...

[Sporlo]

Yeah I knew it couldn't have been an original question.

As for the park today, they're finally starting to turn the coasters back on.

[Sporlo]

Seems like the whole park is down right now even though nothing has happened in quite a while. I guess that 10 mile radius is pretty big though. Even TDK is closed, and the storm cells moved out over 30 minutes ago.

[CoasterDemon]

Just pulled up, it's beautiful and the sun is out. Not one ride moving.

[Guy_With_A_Stick]

^They should reopen the rides any minute now. It's pretty much overcast with holes(areas w/o clouds) now.

[Foltzy]

What about rides like Hometown Fun Machine or Jesters Wild Ride in lightning.
I would think they would close cause ya know they're metal and attract lightning.
Do they really not close or did you just not list them

[Guy_With_A_Stick]

^ Aren't all rides made of metal?

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[onyxhotel08]

Bad day to be at the park today. Today really was one of the most bizarre weather conditions we have ever had. Rain stop & go, humidity, sun, now it is actually chilly for this time of the year.

[Sporlo]

Anyone stay the last 3 hours on Monday? Did everything get running again?

Rue le Dodge wasn't listed above. Yesterday it was closed as well just like everything, including TDK, except Fun Machine.

[Foltzy]

So let me get this straight
Six Flags runs giant machines of metal in lightning storms?!?!
I'm actually shocked no ones died yet

[Guy_With_A_Stick]

^Ha ha, shocked.

But I think they run Hometown Fun Machine because it's surrounded by much taller trees, and Whizzer is also about 100 feet taller, and is made of steel.

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[Dmrbug]

When raining, all rides become water rides! Get yourself on AE in light rain. I feel it runs the best when wet.

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[FParker185]

Don't want to get to scientific, but even if lightning hits a ride while people are riding, the electricity part isn't going to hurt anyone, all rides are well grounded. Heat from the bolt itself and the thunder vs ears on the other hand... but same risk really as standing on the midway or really anywhere outside during a storm carries the same risk.

[tribar]

I would recommend riding Viper after it rains. Only time it's actually a decent ride.

[Tardis1972]

Anyone stay the last 3 hours on Monday? Did everything get running again?

I was there until closing time and yes most of the rides reopened (expect Whizzer) and with almost no lines. Whizzer went down shortly before first storm started and never reopened. Why does DKC have to close in severe weather? I don't understand that either.

[Sporlo]

Anyone stay the last 3 hours on Monday? Did everything get running again?

I was there until closing time and yes most of the rides reopened (expect Whizzer) and with almost no lines. Whizzer went down shortly before first storm started and never reopened. Why does DKC have to close in server weather? I don't understand that either.

I was inclined to wait it out, but I lost my patience when TDK was closed. I'd guess it has to do with the imagined liability of running a ride, then having the building blown down by winds or a tornado.
Yesterday, they announced that a tornado warning was issued. This never happened in real life, there were only severe thunderstorm warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, it makes sense to cease everything and just ask the guests to take shelter. Severe thunderstorm? If it's ridiculous, sure, stop everything, but if it's just a bit of wind and non-damaging hail? And I guess you could anticipate power outages too by stopping. But Monday didn't seem like a power outage kinda day, besides a chance freak lightning strike.

[coasterrider2]

Anyone stay the last 3 hours on Monday? Did everything get running again?

I was there until closing time and yes most of the rides reopened (expect Whizzer) and with almost no lines. Whizzer went down shortly before first storm started and never reopened. Why does DKC have to close in server weather? I don't understand that either.

Because it becomes a madhouse in the queue because everyone is seeking shelter in there and everyone in the park is waiting in line for one ride.

[FParker185]

Word on the street was that the queue flooded for BDK which rendered the ride closed, but even if a ride is indoors it's still subject to manufacturer specs, I know a few years ago on opening day, the sustained wind was over 30mph, and ever indoor/under cover rides were closed, park made frantic calls to the manufacturers, but they said absolutely not, rules are the rules. If anyone got hurt even due to totally different circumstances, lawyers would definitely bring up the fact that the ride was operated improperly and everyone would share liability as there would be no disputing the fact that a ride was operated when it should not have been, regardless of any other circumstances.

[Tardis1972]

^^ Ok I get now. Makes sense
Thanks for answering.

[Viper 88]

I can tell you with absolute certainty that TDK leaks like a mother ruring a heavy rain. I was there a couple summers ago and the day started off beautiful then as the afternoon set in it turned. There were downpours everywhere. The rain actually started while we were in line for TDK, while in line water was just cascading down the walls and coming in through the emergency exit doors. Even the line in the old theater was getting water rolling in. It was like someone fused BB and TDK together. It was actually raining less outside in a downpour than it was inside.