Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation to go on despite nor'easter

Neither snow nor rain will stop a special team Wednesday as the storm hits Manhattan -- no, not the postal workers but Macy's employees.

They'll be exposed to the elements as they inflate Paddington bear, a Power Ranger and other highflying helium giants on the Upper West Side for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Each balloon will be tethered to two 2,000-pound trucks and also to anchors on the street, while workers will be suited up in wintry gear, provided by the department store and Timberland, said Macy's spokesman Orlando Veras.

Rain or snow, he said, the public will be allowed to watch the works by going to 79th Street and Columbus Avenue between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.

It's a time that coincides with an anticipated snowfall and strong wind gusts courtesy of a nor'easter. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the city, in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday until 1 a.m. Thursday, with accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

"We prep everything in the elements every year, so this is no different," Veras said. "The parade must go on. It's Thanksgiving and it is the opening act of the holiday season."

Officials said parade day is not expected to be a problem as city crews clear up snow and temperatures begin melting it.