Storms Spoil Lollapalooza's Opening Night, Strand Travelers At Chicago Airports

CHICAGO, IL — The threat of storms forced Lollapalooza's opening day to end early Thursday, while the severe weather grounded hundreds of flights at O'Hare and Midway airports, stranding travelers at O'Hare and Midway airports. Organizers began moving festival-goers out of Grant Park at around 9:15 p.m. just as headlining acts Lorde and Muse were preparing to go onstage. Earlier in the day, performers such as Cage The Elephant were able to play through light rain showers.

"Tonight's performances will not resume. Please make your way toward shelter, away from Grant Park," a statement about Thursday's evacuation said on the four-day festival's Twitter account. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or your neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

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By Friday morning, the storms also were responsible for canceling more than 140 flights at O'Hare International Airport and 19 flights at Midway Airport, according to NBC 5 Chicago. The conditions prompted ground stops for arriving planes Thursday afternoon at both airports, and the cancellations had passengers spending the night trying to sleep on cots, floors and gate seating at Midway and O'Hare, the report added.

The flight delays and cancellations even affected Lollapalooza by putting a damper on the four-day music festival's aftershows. The Pretty Reckless was unable to make it to their scheduled set Thursday night at the Bottom Lounge because the band was stuck in New York City after flights to Chicago were canceled, the venue announced on its Facebook page. Attendees can receive refunds for the show where they purchased their tickets.

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Lollapalooza's early end Thursday didn't just disappoint fans. One performer said she was "gutted" that the weather prevented her from entertaining audiences, and she was exploring other options to try and remedy that.

"[I] had the most spectacular show planned for you and i PROMISE i will come back to play it as soon as i can," a damp Lorde wrote on her Twitter account. "looking into the possibilities of a club show but i want you guys to see full tank show. will keep you posted."

Although conditions will clear up Friday for Lollapalooza, the National Weather Service says festival-goers should expect cooler temperatures, with "gusty winds" and highs only reaching the 60s. Rain and isoloated thunderstorms, however, could return Sunday, the outdoor fest's final day, the agency said Friday.

With storm clouds overhead, Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant performs on the opening day Thursday, Aug. 2, of Lollapalooza at Grant Park on Thursday, Aug 3, 2017 in Chicago. (Photo by Rob Grabowski | Invision | Associated Press)

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