Chicago’s Lollapalooza resumes after storm evacuation

This evacuation was a big contrast to one in 2012, when festivalgoers were caught in a downpour on their way out, many hiding under trees or trying to find garbage bags to shield themselves from the rain.

In a statement, the festival said those in attendance should head to pre-established underground evacuation and shelter sites along Michigan Avenue.

And of course it was bumper-to-bumper getting back in once the gates opened again at 3:30 p.m.

Bands scheduled to perform today include Florence & the Machine, Moon Taxi, TV On the Radio, Strand of Oaks and others.

The Lollapalooza music festival in Grant Park is suspended as the area is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. Three parking garages – Grant Park North, Grant Park South and Millennium Lakeside – were designated emergency shelters for the 300,000 people who attend the festival each year. All shelters can be accessed through vehicle entrances on Michigan Avenue.

Event organizers will talk with the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications to decide when it is safe for people to return to the music festival, which started Friday and ends Sunday evening.

“Our first priority is always the safety of our fans, staff and artists”, a spokesperson for Lollapalooza’s promoter, C3 Presents, said in a statement.