Thousands told to shelter in place at Burning Man fest in Nevada with access closed due to flooding

Amidst the expansive Nevada desert, the illustrious Burning Man festival has been met with an unexpected challenge as torrential storms led to flooding, compelling thousands of attendees to hunker down on Saturday. The normally lively and vibrant event took a somber turn as participants navigated through mud-laden pathways, some even resorting to unconventional measures such as going barefoot or donning plastic bags on their feet. In response to the adverse weather conditions, organizers made the difficult decision to cease vehicular access to the festival, prompting attendees to remain where they were and manage their available resources judiciously.

The Black Rock Desert, where the festival is situated, has been overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Due to the inclement weather, vehicular gates have been closed for the remainder of the event, which was initially set to span from August 27th to Monday. The National Weather Service in Reno reported that the festival site bore witness to over half an inch of rainfall on Friday, situated approximately 110 miles north of Reno. Additionally, forecasts indicated the anticipation of another quarter of an inch of precipitation on Sunday, further exacerbating the situation.

The ramifications of these unforeseen circumstances were palpable, with the Reno Gazette Journal noting that the organizers were compelled to impose rationing measures for ice sales, and all vehicular movement within the festival premises came to a halt. This disruption in service extended to portable toilet facilities, rendering them inaccessible for maintenance and use.

The duration of the entrance closure and the eventual departure of festivalgoers remain uncertain, as officials have refrained from providing concrete timelines. Notably, these developments unfolded just prior to a significant culmination of the event — the ceremonial burning of a substantial wooden effigy, which was slated for Saturday night.

Attempts to garner official statements from both the Bureau of Land Management and the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, the entities responsible for closing the entrance, yielded no immediate response.

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, some attendees found ways to make the most of the situation. In the midst of the standing water, individuals engaged in recreational activities like beer pong and dancing. One festivalgoer, Mike Jed, exhibited resourcefulness by devising a makeshift bucket toilet to mitigate the necessity of navigating the muddy terrain repeatedly to access portable facilities. Addressing the gravity of the circumstances, Jed commented, “If it really turns into a disaster, well, no one is going to have sympathy for us. I mean, it’s Burning Man.”

To clarify, a correction is warranted regarding the amount of rainfall on Friday. Contrary to earlier reports, it is believed that more than half an inch of rain fell, not half a foot. Moreover, predictions indicate an additional quarter of an inch of rain on Sunday, rather than another quarter of a foot. This adjustment is essential to accurately convey the scale of the weather impact on the festival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Adverse Conditions

More about Adverse Conditions

• Burning Man Official Website
• U.S. Bureau of Land Management
• National Weather Service in Reno
• Reno Gazette Journal
• Pershing County Sheriff’s Office