Burning Man: Desert Downpour

In a surprising turn of events, the Burning Man Festival witnessed a mass exodus of hundreds of trucks, RVs and various vehicles as heavy rains trapped tens of thousands of festivalgoers within the makeshift city, surrounded by ankle-deep mud that made driving virtually impossible. 

The official lifting of the driving ban on Monday afternoon marked the commencement of “exodus operations” in Black Rock City, the temporary metropolis constructed each year for this renowned event. However, even before the ban was officially lifted, a significant number of attendees had already initiated their journeys back home. Drone footage captured by CNN on Monday morning showcased a vast procession of large vehicles slowly navigating their way out of the festival grounds. 

By late Sunday evening, event organizers reported a staggering 72,000 people on-site. As of midday Monday, roughly 64,000 attendees remained, underscoring the scale of the logistical challenge presented by the unexpected circumstances. 

In their 2 p.m. update, event organizers recognized that while conditions were gradually improving and the roads were drying, the site still retained considerable muddiness, with certain neighborhoods and streets posing navigational difficulties. They advised attendees to proceed with caution, follow traffic guidance attentively, and exhibit patience during the exit process. Additionally, organizers encouraged some festivalgoers to consider postponing their departure until Tuesday to help alleviate the potential for “significant congestion.” 

The process of leaving the festival site proved to be a time-intensive endeavor. As of Monday evening, it was taking vehicles approximately seven hours to exit the site, with the duration continuously increasing. This timeframe fell within the expected range for the festival, as organizers had previously indicated that departing during peak hours could take anywhere from six to nine hours. 

Starting from Friday night, the roads leading in and out of Black Rock City were closed, accompanied by shelter-in-place orders imposed by event organizers the following day. Festival attendees were advised to conserve their supplies of food, water, and fuel due to the heavy rain that rendered the surface impassable for vehicles. 

The remote region in northwest Nevada experienced an astonishing deluge, equivalent to two to three months’ worth of rainfall — approximately 0.8 inches — in just 24 hours between Friday and Saturday morning. 

Thankfully, a forecast of sunny and dry conditions in western Nevada on Monday offered hope for a significant improvement in the muddy conditions that had hindered the Burning Man festival. CNN Meteorologist Dave Hennen anticipated that temperatures would reach a high of 75 degrees in the area. 

Due to the adverse weather conditions, the festival’s grand finale, the burning of the man, was rescheduled from Sunday night to Monday. 

Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rain and mud, the Burning Man community demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity. Attendees offered food and shelter to those in need, reinforcing the festival’s reputation for fostering a strong sense of community. While some viewed the heavy rain as a test that brought camp communities closer, others grappled with concerns about their ability to depart in time to catch flights and fulfill other commitments. 

As festivalgoers coped with the unexpected conditions, stories of perseverance and support emerged. Festival attendee Gillian Bergeron recounted how those on-site began providing food and shelter to fellow attendees in need, reinforcing the cohesion of the core community. 

In the face of adversity, some attendees opted to leave the festival early by trudging through the challenging mud. However, “most of the RVs” remained immobilized, as reported by Pershing County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Nathan Carmichael. 

Among those who embarked on the demanding trek through the sludge was DJ Diplo, who spent hours hiking in the mud to reach his concert in Washington, D.C., scheduled for later in the day. In a lighthearted recounting of his experience, Diplo humorously noted the significant strengthening of his leg muscles. Ultimately, a generous fan offered Diplo and comedian Chris Rock a ride, exemplifying the spirit of camaraderie and unity that prevailed among festivalgoers. 

Unfortunately, the festival was marred by a tragic incident on Friday, with organizers emphasizing that it was unrelated to the adverse weather conditions. The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office is presently investigating the incident, underscoring the complex challenges faced during this year’s Burning Man festival.