New York City

Governor's Ball Music Festival Evacuated Due to Storm Threat

Organizers said the threat of mid-afternoon thunderstorms caused them to delay opening the gates until 6:30 p.m., with the first act to perform at 6:45 p.m.

The Governors Ball Music Festival on Randall's Island was evacuated due to severe weather on Sunday evening after it opened more than six hours late. 

Organizers said in a tweet at 9:35 p.m. that the festival was being evacuated and urged people to move to the nearest exits. They also tweeted that information on refunds would be coming soon. 

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for all of New York City until 10:15 p.m. The storm carried the potential for 60 mph wind, lots of lightning, and pea-sized hail, Storm Team 4 said. 

Organizers said the threat of mid-afternoon thunderstorms caused them to delay opening the gates until 6:30 p.m., with the first act to perform at 6:45 p.m. 

A short but heavy rainfall came down around 6 p.m. Most of the day was sunny and hot in New York City. 

Video showed crowds waiting to get to Randall's Island, which is in the East River between East Harlem, Mott Haven and Astoria. 

Nas, Sza and The Strokes were among the acts scheduled to perform after the gates opened Sunday evening. 

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