On Sunday in Indianapolis, the Indy 500 was delayed due to severe storms. These storms were part of a larger system of deadly weather that included tornadoes in America’s heartland the previous night. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials paused the pre-race ceremonies and asked fans to evacuate the grandstands and Snake Pit at 11:15 a.m. ET.
Fans were allowed to return three hours later, with the green flag scheduled for 4:44 p.m. ET, four hours after the original start time. The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Indianapolis, including the Speedway. Forecast models predicted a break in stormy weather in Indianapolis until the evening after the morning storms passed.
Tragically, seven people lost their lives in Texas after a tornado demolished a travel stop building and hit an RV park. Children were among those who perished in the disaster. Fans attending the Indy 500 were encouraged to follow the instructions of IMS team members to ensure their safety during the severe weather. They were asked to exit the grandstands in an orderly fashion and implement their personal safety plans.
