The severity of the weather event and its effects on concertgoers were documented in the Red Rocks hailstorm film.
Wednesday night’s concert at the iconic Red Rocks amphitheatre outside of Denver, Colorado, was severely impacted by a hailstorm.
The scheduled concert by Louis Tomlinson was cancelled as a result of the unexpectedly bad weather, which injured about 97 spectators.
A freak hailstorm and flash flood hit Red Rocks tonight with golf ball sized hail while I was photographing the Louis T show. HUGE shoutout needs to go to the staff and medical teams at Red Rocks who were helping the injured as well as helping the fans be as safe as they could. pic.twitter.com/hN37VoL5W7
— Nikolai Puc (@NikolaiPuc) June 22, 2023
The enormity of the havoc and destruction brought about by the hailstorm was depicted in videos taken by guests.
In one video, cries can be heard as hailstones relentlessly beat a pavilion’s metal roof as people run for safety.
Another Red Rocks hailstorm video showed people hiding under tarps and blankets as tennis ball-sized hailstones rained down from the sky.
Hailstorm causes damage and injuries at Red Rocks
Tomlinson was scheduled to perform at Red Rocks at 9:30 PM when a hailstorm unexpectedly hit the area.
According to witnesses, the hailstones appeared suddenly and strongly, catching many concertgoers off surprise.
Numerous people were struck by the enormous chunks of ice in spite of their best efforts to find cover.
While many more went to the hospital for cuts, bruises, and fractures, seven people were hospitalised with non-life-threatening wounds.
The hailstorm also damaged many vehicles that were parked at the event.
The Red Rocks event, which also included Lennon Stella and Fletcher, had to be cut short because of the hailstorm.
Former member of the well-known boy band One Direction, Tomlinson, tweeted about his sadness in the cancellation of the show.
Devastated about the show tonight, hope everyone’s ok, I’ll be back! Even though we didn’t play the show I felt all of your passion! Sending you all love!
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) June 22, 2023
Nevertheless, he thanked his supporters for their encouragement and promised to come back to Denver in the future.
Prior to the hailstorm, Red Rocks, known for its magnificent natural surroundings and amphitheatre, had issued a number of weather alerts.
Participants were warned about the dangers of lightning strikes and flash floods and asked to seek shelter.
Nevertheless, the hailstorm’s suddenness and intensity surprised a lot of people.
Community support amidst the Mayhem
Even though the hailstorm wrecked havoc, concertgoers and Red Rocks workers came together to help those in need.
Several social media images and videos showed people giving their jackets, blankets, and first aid supplies to other participants who were hurt or traumatised.
Some even created improvised temporary shelters out of tarpaulins, rubbish bags, and other stuff they could find.
Red Rocks officials extend well wishes to injured attendees
Red Rocks issued a statement on Thursday expressing condolences to anyone hurt or impacted by the hailstorm.
The venue also expressed gratitude to the medical staff and first responders that assisted at the incident.
Red Rocks has yet to decide whether to issue refunds or reschedule the postponed show.
The bottom line
The hailstorm at Red Rocks serves as a reminder of how extreme weather can be erratic and dangerous.
However, amid the mayhem and injuries brought on by the storm, the concertgoers’ and Red Rocks staff’s strong feeling of camaraderie and mutual support offers a glimpse of optimism and resiliency.
As usual, it’s imperative to be on guard and ready for bad weather, finding cover when you can.
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