Bad weather is expected to hit the Roskilde Festival in Denmark with strong gusts of wind, heavy showers, thunderstorms, and potentially hail. Several visitors have chosen to leave the area, which has created traffic congestion.
A severe storm has swept over Denmark on Saturday evening, and the southern parts of the country have been hit by large hailstorms, according to Ritzau.
It's not as bad in the northern parts where Roskilde is located. However, the combination of strong gusts of wind and heavy showers may still cause a storm, according to DMI, Denmark's equivalent to SMHI.
Organizer: "Be vigilant"
According to SMHI, wind gusts of between 14 and 17 meters per second are expected over the Sound of Bälten, just north of Roskilde.
The festival organizers are cooperating with DMI and have their own meteorologist on site to be able to act quickly and smoothly, says Roskilde's safety manager Morten Therkildsen via email to TT.
"We are particularly vigilant about strong rain, strong gusts of wind, and naturally lightning," he writes.
Two stages – Platform and Apollo – may be difficult to operate on during strong rain and thunderstorms, adds Therkildsen.
Traffic congestion
Festival participants are also being urged to pack up loose tents and pavilions, secure loose parts properly, and stay updated via the festival app.
Several participants began leaving the festival already on Saturday, resulting in traffic congestion, reports Ritzau.
Sunday is expected to be somewhat calmer, although the winds will continue to be strong. A concert had to be interrupted and the audience evacuated due to thunderstorms and rain on Friday.
