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No injuries were reported after severe thunderstorms struck the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Sunday (August 24). The storms brought heavy rain and strong winds, causing the entrance gates to close temporarily before reopening later in the evening. According to Syracuse.com, the gates reopened at 5:45 p.m., and the fair resumed its activities.
The storms caused minor damage, including overturned fences and signs, and some flooding in certain areas. Additionally, a Jumbotron at the State Police exhibit collapsed, resulting in damages estimated at $100,000, as reported by WSYT-TV.
Despite the disruptions, the two scheduled concerts went ahead as planned. GROUPLOVE performed at Chevy Court at 6:30 p.m., followed by Busta Rhymes at Suburban Park at 8 p.m. The severe weather also led to power outages affecting about 1,000 National Grid customers near the fairgrounds, but service was restored by 6 p.m.
The fair's response to the storm included multiple announcements urging attendees to seek shelter and the use of a new text alert system, which saw over 5,000 people sign up on Sunday.