Outdoor markets can change quickly when wind, rain, or heat moves in. A simple weather plan helps vendors protect products, reduce last-minute scrambling, and make safer decisions about pausing or packing up. Conditions vary by venue, so follow organizer instructions and local emergency guidance first.
What storm damage can look like
We have experienced severe weather at more than one outdoor show. The photos below show separate incidents. At the show pictured first, the storm resulted in approximately $60,000 worth of lost merchandise. That experience is why our first rule is to protect people before trying to save inventory.
Other storms have brought heavy rain into market areas and vendor booths. These examples are from separate shows; they do not all depict the same event.
Before the market: build a weather plan
Check the forecast the day before and again on event morning. Ask the organizer what happens if the event is delayed, moved, or canceled, and whether tents, weights, or sidewalls are required. Write down your own stop-work triggers—for example, lightning nearby, unsafe wind, water entering your display, or heat symptoms—so you do not have to make the decision in a rush.
Secure your booth for wind
- Use a commercial canopy designed for outdoor use and secure every leg with the organizer’s required weights or anchors.
- Keep lightweight signs and loose display pieces secured, especially at the canopy edges.
- Place heavier items low and away from customer walkways.
- Know how to lower or remove canopy fabric quickly if conditions become unsafe.
- Do not rely on neighboring booths, cars, or improvised objects to anchor your canopy.
Protect products and supplies from rain
Store inventory in lidded bins or waterproof containers, with frequently handled items kept accessible. Use waterproof covers that can be secured without creating large wind-catching surfaces. Raise boxes and electrical equipment off the ground, and keep a towel and dry cloths in a sealed tote. Protect payment devices and chargers from water; follow their manufacturer’s guidance if they get wet.
Prepare for heat and lightning
Bring drinking water, shade, sunscreen, and clothing suitable for the forecast. Take breaks and watch for signs of heat illness; review the National Weather Service’s heat safety guidance and seek help if symptoms occur. If thunder is heard or lightning is seen, stop outdoor activity and follow the event’s emergency plan. A tent does not provide lightning protection. Move to a substantial enclosed building or hard-topped vehicle, and follow the National Weather Service’s lightning safety guidance.
When to pause or pack up
Follow the market organizer’s directions and local alerts. Leave the booth area if there is lightning, flooding, dangerous wind, or another immediate hazard. Do not try to save merchandise at the cost of personal safety. Keep an exit route clear and avoid handling metal tent frames during a lightning threat.
Pack a market weather kit
- Waterproof bins and covers
- Canopy weights or anchors approved by the event
- Clips, tape, and basic repair supplies
- Dry towels and spare bags
- Water, sun protection, and a charged phone
- Organizer and emergency contact information
After a weather incident, document damage when safe and check your event contract, insurance policy, and organizer communications before filing a claim. A preparation checklist cannot make severe weather safe; be ready to stop and leave when conditions call for it.
For every event, follow the venue’s rules and local weather or emergency instructions. This guide is general preparation information, not a substitute for professional safety advice.