The extraordinary weather conditions, triggered by the unrelenting rain, created intensely muddy terrain, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.
The BLM declared a full halt to any vehicle access, effectively sealing off the entrance to the sprawling desert gathering.
“Rain over the last 24 hours has created a situation that required a full stop of vehicle movement on the playa. More rain is expected over the next few days, and conditions are not expected to improve enough to allow vehicles to enter the playa,” per the BLM announcement.
Burningman just published a new webpage of information about the weather, Exodus, and what to expect over the next few days in Black Rock City. The full page of information can be found at: https://t.co/5kvsQGYp6m. Please read and share.
— Burning Man Traffic (@bmantraffic) September 3, 2023
“Burning Man Traffic,” a social media account dedicated to updating festival-goers about on-the-ground conditions, reinforced the message, advising those in Black Rock City to remain in sheltered areas and to preserve essential resources. Only emergency vehicles were granted permission to operate within the event grounds.
Organizers have announced that roads would remain closed until Monday afternoon when the event closes.
Community in the mud
Social media posts depicted participants dancing with plastic bags on their feet as they navigated the muddy terrain. Additionally, videos shared on platforms like TikTok illustrated the lengths some had to go to reach portable toilets ankle-deep in mud.
