Indy 500 Delayed Due to Severe Storms and Tornadoes; Seven Tragic Losses Reported in Texas Ahead of the Race

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials have announced that severe storms caused a delay in the start of the Indy 500 on Sunday. The storms were part of a larger system of deadly weather that included tornadoes in America’s heartland the previous night. At 11:15 a.m. ET, the officials paused pre-race ceremonies and asked fans to evacuate the grandstands and Snake Pit.

Fans were allowed to return three hours later, with the green flag scheduled for 4:44 p.m. ET, four hours after the original start time. The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Indianapolis, including the Speedway. Forecast models predicted a break in stormy weather in Indianapolis until the evening after the morning storms passed.

Seven people tragically lost their lives in Texas after a tornado demolished a travel stop building and hit an RV park on Saturday night. Children were among those who perished in the disaster, prompting authorities to urge caution among those attending the Indy 500 this weekend. Fans were encouraged to follow IMS team members’ instructions to ensure their safety during severe weather and to implement their personal safety plans orderly fashion when asked to evacuate from grandstands