Inclement weather floods Merriweather Post Pavilion, canceling Halsey’s concert

Heavy rain and thunderstorms Wednesday evening caused minor flooding at the outdoor concert venue at Merriweather Post Pavilion, and some attendees had to be evacuated to higher ground before a planned concert by pop star Halsey was eventually cancelled.

There were about 13,000 attendees.

Howard County Fire Chief Lewis Winston told reporters Thursday morning that there were no concertgoers or first responders injured.

But fans were left wet – and disappointed – and Halsey vowed on Twitter to hold a makeup party at a different location, saying she was “extremely disappointed” with the way the Merriweather Post Pavilion handled the weather cancellation.

The venue canceled the concert after 10 pm because of what it was called “Technical difficulties related to weather.” The announcement came more than an hour after officials tweeted to guests that the show It will resume at 9:30 pm

Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive, told reporters during a news conference Thursday morning in Ellicott after being asked if he had any concerns about how the place would handle severe weather.

The show started at 7 pm but he entered Weather delay after 30 minutes Following several weather warnings, including a hurricane warning.

More than an inch of rain fell in the 15 minutes between 8:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday night, Paul said.

Some fans posted a video on social media showing parts of the place – mainly in the sitting bowl – starting to fill with rainwater from the rain. Other videos showed stormwater flowing down the stairs into the bowl as fans waited for updates on the concert.

There are 21 staff and volunteers in the department providing emergency medical backup services, Winston told reporters Thursday.

After heavy rain started falling on the wing area, “our crews were able to quickly get there and assess that area and determined that there was no imminent danger to the shepherds who were under the wing at the time,” Winston said.

A pedestrian bridge on the property was also flooded, but police managed to reach the area and sealed it off.

pic.twitter.com/x6B5WmvgNh

– Ben (@Bennyokay_) June 9, 2022

In a video posted to Twitter by a fan, rainwater started dripping into the seating bowl and onto the guests who returned to the venue before the show was cancelled.

Looks like Halsey’s party has been cancelled, which makes sense since that’s how it was before we left lmao. Why did Meriweather decide to ask people to come back first???? pic.twitter.com/J02nhRI1fD

– Cole (charcolepix) June 9, 2022

in Statement on TwitterIt would be unsafe, Halsey said, if you went out there and people rushed onto the stage during or after the storm.

However, in a second tweet, the pop artist said she was disappointed with the way Merriweather Post Pavilion officials handled weather issues, adding that a rescheduled date “will happen elsewhere.”

I really want to add that I am very disappointed with the way the place handled everything tonight and that my rescheduling will happen elsewhere. Hear you guys loud and clear I promise.

– h (@halsey) June 9, 2022

Earlier today, the Merriweather Post Pavilion’s social media account announced that the show will continue “Rainy or sunny” For many fans worried about the upcoming weather. On the Frequently Asked Questions section on their websiteGuests are asked to check the venue’s jumbotron for updates and to shelter in their cars during very inclement weather.

said the place Fans will receive more information About refunds or a rescheduled show date from the ticket seller.

WTOP has reached out to Merriweather Post Pavilion for further comments.