Lollapalooza was evacuated Thursday night due to weather, the organization said on Twitter. Trina Orlando reports.
Lollapalooza was evacuated Thursday night due to weather, the organization said on Twitter.
"Grant Park is being evacuated due to weather," the festival tweeted. "Please make your way to the nearest exit."
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"We are disappointed to have to end today's performances early, however our first priority is the safety of our fans, staff and artists," said Sandee Fenton, Director of Publicity for C3 Presents, the promoter behind Lollapalooza.
Severe Thunderstorms Warning were issued for parts of the Chicago area throughout the evening.
The storms bring with them the threat for damaging winds, heavy rain and hail.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected to move oin during the early afternoon hours, growing more numerous and possibly severe later in the afternoon and evening.
They are expected to move east and out of the area by the early morning hours Friday as temperatures drop.
Friday looks to stay much cooler and less humid, with highs in the upper-60s and low-70s. The threat for rain showers will return again Saturday night and into Sunday.
The first Lolla performances are slated to begin at noon Thursday.
Lolla-goers have long celebrated rain or shine during the summer weekend festival, but severe storms have hit during the event in the past.
In 2015, stormy weather forced a temporary evacuation and prompted organizers to move up times for remaining acts on the final day of the fest.
Organizers said there is a weather station and weather monitor on-site at the fest. There are also three emergency evacuation shelters located in the area: Grant Park North, Grant Park South and Millennium Lakeside Garages. All shelters can be accessed through vehicle entrances on Michigan Avenue.
