The annual Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada has been hit with heavy rain, turning the desert into a muddy mess and trapping more than 73,000 attendees at their camps. The Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the public land where the event is held, announced that entry to the event is now closed and participants should turn around and head home. The rain has caused a full stop of vehicle movement on the playa, and more rain is expected in the coming days, making conditions too difficult for vehicles to enter.
Organizers had already banned vehicle traffic and kept the exit gates closed on Friday, and warned attendees to conserve their food and water as the closures could be lengthy. The event is known for its self-sufficiency, with attendees responsible for bringing in all the supplies they need for the duration of their stay. However, the poor weather has forced the cancellation of multiple large-scale art burns and has dampened the usual excitement of the event.
Cell phone service is virtually nonexistent at Burning Man, and only a few people have access to satellite Internet for updates. This has made communication and coordination difficult for attendees. Despite the challenging conditions, some attendees remain positive and are hoping for better weather in the days ahead.
The event, which officially started on August 27, was already delayed due to the remnants of Hurricane Hillary. Saturday night was supposed to feature the burning of the iconic Man effigy, followed by the burning of the Temple of the Heart on Sunday. The event is set to officially end on Monday with a mass departure known as Exodus.
As attendees wait for the weather to improve and for their departure, they are advised to stay in their camps and stay safe. The closure of the event has disappointed many, but organizers are prioritizing the safety and well-being of the attendees.