INDIO, California (CelebrityAccess) — Coachella organizers on Thursday were forced to announce a delay to camping for the second weekend of their festival, due to dangerous weather.
In a notice posted to the fest’s website on Thursday, a rep from Goldenvoice wrote: “The National Weather Service has issued a severe high wind warning beginning Thursday morning lasting through early morning Friday. Opening of camping is delayed. For everyone’s safety camping will now OPEN on FRIDAY, April 20th at 3 am (pending safe conditions). It is strongly encouraged that you delay your arrival until after weather has passed.”
“Please be aware you may experience high wait times, staging time in your cars and we will not be able to accommodate wait together, camp together. ABSOLUTELY no campsite setups, no tent canopies or pop-up tents will be allowed to be put up until high wind has passed. Yes, this includes all onsite camping. Car, Tent, Lake Eldorado & Safari,” the statement added.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a dangerous weather warning for the area around Indio, with a forecast of winds blowing at 20 to 30 mph with gusts 35 to 50 mph. Isolated gusts to 60 mph along the desert slopes. The forecast is in effect until 2pm PST on Friday.
Fans are also facing a possible heat warning at the festival over the weekend, with temperatures projected to range from a high of 91 on Friday, to a high of 100 on Sunday.
The second week of Goldenvoice’s smash hit festival is due to start on Friday, April 20th, and run through Sunday, April 22nd. Gates to the festival open at 11 AM but performances have been pushed back, with music at the festival now set to start at 11:25 when The Weeknd takes the main stage.
