New York’s Electric Zoo finale closed down by thunderstorm
New York's Electric Zoo music festival was shut down in the face of powerful thunderstorms, forcing thousands of people to leave its island setting for the second time in successive years.
New York's Electric Zoo music festival was shut down in the face of powerful thunderstorms, forcing thousands of people to leave its island setting for the second time in successive years.
As some of electronic music's big names. including Kaskade and Jack U, prepared to play the three-day event's final night on Sunday, organisers and city officials called it off and ordered Randall's Island evacuated around 4.30pm.
The National Weather Service had issued flash-flood warnings as downpours and lightning loomed. Dozens of commercial flights into the city's airports were also delayed.
"We apologise to our fans, but ultimately our main concern is for the safety and security of all attendees, artists and staff," spokesman Stefan Friedman said.
The festival's final day was axed last year after two fans died of overdoses of Ecstasy, combined with overheating. Organisers tried to set a more security-conscious tone this year, shortening days by two hours, compelling festival-goers to watch a video about Ecstasy and adding drug-sniffing dogs, a cooling tunnel and other measures.
This year, the cancellation came about three hours into the last day, with throngs of music-lovers already at the 11-hectare venue in the East River. Many had to board ferries or shuttle buses to get off the island.
Electric Zoo, which was in its fifth year, has become a popular stop on the circuit for fans of electronic dance music, a growing presence in pop in recent years.
The National Weather Service said it had reports of wind damage and flash flooding in East Orange, New Jersey, and reports of large tree branches down on Long Island.
It said most of the damage was reported between 4.20pm and 5.15pm on Sunday, when the storms were at their most intense.
