Burning Man festival stranded desert rain floods site

author: FutureCar Staff    

Burning Man festival-goers have been advised to conserve food and water as access to Nevada's Black Rock desert has been closed for the remainder of the event due to heavy rain. The gate and airport into the remote festival site are shut, and driving is prohibited except for emergency vehicles. The festival, which attracts around 60,000 people every year, is renowned for its burning of a symbol of a man. The desert site experienced significant flooding after receiving 150mm of rain on Friday.

The organisers have issued a warning on social media, urging people not to travel to Black Rock City as access is closed for the duration of the event. They emphasized that anyone attempting to enter will be turned away. The festival, which began on August 27 and was originally scheduled to end on Monday, is now facing uncertainty due to the closure. The exact number of people stranded at the site remains unclear.

Prior to the closure, the organisers advised festival-goers, known as "burners," to seek shelter and conserve essential resources such as food, water, and fuel. They encouraged individuals to find a warm and safe space within Black Rock City, which has been transformed into a muddy environment due to the storms and flooding. The festival site, located approximately 177 kilometres north of Reno, experienced an estimated 150mm of rainfall on Friday, with an additional 80mm expected over the weekend.

The Burning Man festival, which originated in 1986, takes place annually in a temporary city constructed specifically for the event. Each year, approximately 60,000 people attend, with many traveling along a two-lane highway to reach the festival grounds. Unfortunately, the festival was canceled in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FutureCar Staff