Ottawa

Snowbird flyby over Parliament Hill delayed due to weather

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Two teams are expected to fly in a 17-ship formation at less than 1,000 feet

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic team fly past the Peace Tower during Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, July 1, 2016. (Chris Wattie/Reuters)

A scheduled flyby over Parliament Hill featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the Patrouille de France air demonstration team to mark Canada's sesquicentennial has been delayed until at least Tuesday because of the bad weather.

The joint flyby was scheduled to begin at 10:45 a.m. Monday, weather permitting.

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Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Monday with 20 to 40 millimetres of rain expected and a risk of thunderstorms.

A public service announcement from the Canadian Armed Forces did not provide an exact time for the rescheduled flyby, but said it will take place Tuesday, if possible.

17-ship formation

"The Royal Canadian Air Force is delighted to welcome the Patrouille de France to Canada as we celebrate Canada's 150 years of Confederation," said Lt.-Gen. Mike Hood, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, in a media release.

"Canada and France have a profound connection, and our national air demonstration teams flying in formation is symbolic of our lasting friendship and alliance."

The Snowbird team will fly nine CT-114 Tutor planes and the Patrouille de France team will fly eight Alpha jets in a 17-ship formation. Two "photo-chase" aircraft will accompany the two teams.

The flyby comes on the heels of the Aero150 air show that was held in Gatineau last weekend.