11 injured after wind gusts blow through Northern California flea market

Eleven people were injured Wednesday after wind gusts blew through a Northern California flea market, sending several tents and tarps airborne, striking some patrons and vendors.

The winds kicked up about 3 p.m. at the Galt Flea Market, a weekly outdoor bazaar about 25 miles southeast of Sacramento, said Consumnes Fire Department Chief George Apple.

“Earlier in the day, the wind was not present. Then the gust of it grabbed a tarp, and certainly got people moving and running around scared,” Apple said.

Tent poles and other objects struck 11 people, all of whom had minor injuries including scrapes, bumps, bruises and bloody noses, he said.

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Three of the injured were taken to a hospital.

After reviewing footage of the wind gusts at the market, National Weather Service forecaster Karl Swanberg said it appeared that the winds clocked in at about 45 mph.

“The winds were not that strong -- but you have tents, displays,” Swanberg said. “It was a situation where any gusty winds would cause damage.”

A downrush of air was probably created by some evaporative cooling, which sent the winds to the ground, he added.

For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno.

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