The final Friday afternoon of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo took an unexpected turn as severe weather descended upon NRG Park. The anticipation of storms led ABC13 meteorologists to declare a Weather Alert Day for Friday afternoon, and their predictions proved to be accurate.
At around 4 p.m., the sky darkened, and penny-sized hail began to pummel rodeo attendees who were forced to seek shelter. The rain was so heavy at one point that it nearly obscured anything from the view of the cameras. Stephanie Saldana, who was caught in the storm, described the suddenness of the weather, saying, “It just came out of nowhere.” She lamented the loss of her turkey leg and sausage, which were whisked away by the strong winds.
The carnival grounds quickly became inundated with ankle-deep standing water, leading officials to shut down the carnival rides. However, plans were in place to reopen them as soon as conditions improved. RodeoHouston officials assured ABC13 that they have contingency plans for severe weather, and while no announcements were made on the grounds, no injuries were reported.
As the storm passed, rodeo attendees seemed to maintain good spirits, many donning ponchos over their Western wear. Despite the weather setback, the rodeo started on time at 6:45 p.m., with the Jonas Brothers as the evening’s entertainers. The carnival began to reopen some of its attractions about half an hour after the initial closure.
This incident serves as a reminder for rodeo-goers to be weather-aware when attending outdoor events. ABC13 Chief Forecaster David Tillman emphasized the need for people to seek shelter when storms approach. With more severe weather expected, it is crucial for everyone’s safety to prioritize staying indoors during such conditions.
RodeoHouston provided a statement regarding their preparations for severe weather, stating that they employ an extensive weather reporting service and have security and emergency personnel constantly monitoring the situation. In the event of severe weather, they will take necessary safety measures, which may include closing temporary venues or evacuating the entire grounds.
Despite the weather interruption, rodeo attendees remain resilient, ready to enjoy the final weekend of Rodeo Houston 2024. The combination of the thrilling rodeo events and the highly-anticipated performances of the Jonas Brothers promises to make this weekend unforgettable.
As people continue to follow updates on this story, it is important to stay informed about any changes in weather conditions or updates from RodeoHouston officials. The rodeo’s commitment to prioritizing safety is commendable, and their efforts ensure that attendees can enjoy the remaining days of this beloved event without compromising their well-being.
In conclusion, while severe weather may have disrupted the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the resilience of the attendees and the preparedness of RodeoHouston officials ensured that safety remained a top priority. As the storm passed and the rodeo continued with enthusiastic spirits, it became evident that nothing can dampen the excitement and enjoyment of this iconic event.
