The festival utilized Starlink satellite internet to receive early storm warnings, allowing organizers and attendees to prepare and secure camps, demonstrating improved safety measures.

As of early Monday, weather conditions had improved enough for gates and the airport to reopen, but officials warned of continued unstable weather, potential delays, and ongoing rain.

Approximately 70,000 people are attending Burning Man 2025, which runs until September 1, despite recent severe weather challenges similar to the 2023 floods.

A severe weather system with a wall of blowing dust, high winds exceeding 45 mph, and thunderstorms has significantly impacted the Burning Man festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, leading to gate closures and travel delays.

Authorities and festival organizers advised attendees still in Reno to delay travel, as ongoing weather conditions prompted the closure of festival gates and disrupted operations.

Forecasts predict continued monsoon thunderstorms and heavy rain through midweek, raising concerns about flash floods reminiscent of the 2023 event that stranded thousands.

The storm caused extensive damage at Burning Man, overturning tents, destroying art installations, and injuring some attendees amid severe dust storms and high winds.

Despite the chaos, festival activities persisted with performances by groups like the Philharmonic and Claudia Pops Orchestra, and attendees reported a strong sense of community and resilience.

The weather system also triggered red flag fire conditions in parts of California and Oregon, and lightning strikes over the weekend ignited several fires, including the Garnet fire in Sierra National Forest.

Lightning-initiated fires in Southern California’s Angeles National Forest remained small due to proactive fire management, despite dry vegetation and active storm conditions.

The storm was driven by thunderstorms in the Sierra Nevada that created strong winds, reduced visibility, and structural damage at the festival site.

Rain and lightning caused minor flooding, fires, and park closures in California’s Sierra Nevada, including Yosemite Valley and Lake Isabella, with some areas experiencing unusual August storms.