Hours before a total eclipse of the sun, the Texas Eclipse festival in Burnet was canceled due to bad weather, event organizers announced Monday.
The rare celestial event was billed as the showpiece of the five-day festival, which also featured space exhibits, high-profile guest speakers and performances from a host of top electronic music artists. However, ticket holders are evacuating the festival grounds, according to reports EDM.comIt's Carlie Belbin, who is present.
Texas Eclipse organizers issued a statement Monday morning to formally announce the event's cancellation and urge passholders to pack their bags. At least 30,000 people were in Burnet for the event, according to the local NBC affiliate station. KXAN.
“We regret to inform you of the severe weather forecast, including risks of high winds, tornado activity, large hail and thunderstorms for later today, including during the eclipse, Tuesday and Wednesday,” reads a statement, which was also emailed to attendees. “Your safety is our top priority. With the support and coordination of Burnet County officials, local law enforcement agencies and the National Weather Service, we have agreed to end the festival today in a calm and orderly manner.”
“Leave early for safety and to avoid traffic,” the announcement continues. “Guests can stay to view the eclipse as long as they are packed and prepared to leave after totality. This guidance may change based on weather.”
Texas Eclipse ticket holders will receive an email with a partial refund policy “soon,” according to organizers.
He National Weather Service Forecast requires hazardous weather conditions at the time of this writing. Severe thunderstorms are likely to develop in the afternoon, bringing threats of “very large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain and some tornadoes.” Increasing cloud cover may also limit viewing of the solar eclipse.
“It's been very hectic. No one really knows what to do or where to go,” Belbin told us via text message. “Emotions are at an all-time high as it feels like a band-aid has been ripped off. Today was *the* day everyone was waiting for. People came from all over the world for this. Obviously, no one can control the situation . time, but it's a pity to leave today instead of Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday.”
The total eclipse begins in Burnet at 1:34 p.m. and will persist for minutes and 20.4 seconds.
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