Additional Coverage:
Burning Man Bogged Down by Storms, Leaving Thousands Stranded
Severe storms continue to cause chaos at Burning Man, turning the annual festival into a muddy mess and leaving thousands of attendees stranded. A fierce dust storm hit the Black Rock Desert on Saturday, reducing visibility and toppling structures. Festival organizers were forced to close the gates for a second time on Tuesday evening, with estimated wait times to enter the site exceeding eight hours once roads reopen.
Aerial footage shared on social media shows miles of gridlocked traffic on the festival’s approach road, highlighting the extent of the disruption. Social media users reacted with a mix of shock and sarcasm, questioning the wisdom of attending the event under such conditions.
Amid the chaos, some vital services have managed to continue operating. Starlink internet service has been a lifeline for many attendees, enabling communication despite the challenging conditions. Users have taken to social media to praise the service for its resilience during the dust storm.
The severe weather has also impacted surrounding communities, with increased demand for supplies leading to long lines and frustration at local retailers. One Reno resident complained about festival-goers clogging checkout lines, highlighting the ripple effect of the event’s disruption.
Weather forecasts had predicted the possibility of monsoon-like conditions, and while Tropical Storm Fernand is not expected to directly impact Nevada, the National Weather Service has issued warnings for increased thunderstorm activity in the area. Even a small amount of rain can significantly impact travel on the playa’s delicate desert terrain. This year’s weather woes follow the significant disruption caused by Hurricane Hilary in 2023, which stranded tens of thousands of attendees for days.