While the summer offered more than a few music festivals, intense weather has looked to put a damper on the party. Just a few days ago, the Bonnaroo Music Festival announced it needed to cancel the event due to strong storms. With over 70,000 people attending the festival, organizers offered refunds. And recently, the Barefoot Country Music Festival also found itself at the mercy of strong thunderstorms that had officials urging fans to take shelter.
Scheduled to kick off on June 19th, the Barefoot Country Music Festival promoted a stellar lineup of performers that included Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, and even Jelly Roll. With thousands of fans traveling to New Jersey for the event, city officials found the sky turning dark as a storm quickly moved in.
Having more than 30,000 country fans moving to the beach in Wildwood, the event announced, “Lightning has been detected within 8 miles of the festival. Exit the festival grounds immediately and seek shelter.”
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While all 21 counties in New Jersey were placed under a thunderstorm watch, local police prepared for the storm that could bring 60 mph wind gusts. The Wildwood Police Department even sent out its own warning, stating, “The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for our area, indicating that strong storms are imminent. For your safety, you should take shelter immediately. The Barefoot Country Music Fest venue is currently being evacuated. All festival-goers are urged to return to your home, hotel, or vehicle now. If conditions worsen and you are unable to reach these locations, please seek shelter in a business, or under the boardwalk as a last resort.”
Given the current heat and humidity in the area, some experts suggested that there could be some isolated tornadoes heading toward the festival. But thankfully, the weather seemed to only taunt the festival as it soon dissipated. With the sun finding its way through the storm, the Barefoot Country Music Festival continued with its lineup of performances that even featured a memorable drone show.
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
