Bad news for anyone camping during Coachella weekend 2 — high winds have delayed your check in time.
While the campsites usually open on Thursday, high winds in Indio have caused the festival to keep the camp grounds closed until Friday, April 20 at 3 a.m.
Coachella released a statement on their website and social media platforms regarding the issue.
Their website reads, "The National Weather Service has issued a severe high wind warning beginning Thursday morning lasting through early morning Friday. Opening of camping is delayed. For everyone’s safety camping will now OPEN on FRIDAY, April 20th at 3am (pending safe conditions). It is strongly encouraged that you delay your arrival until after weather has passed."
In addition to this, they addressed the fact that even if you do arrive early, they will forbid you to set up your tent until the high winds have stopped.
"Please be aware you may experience high wait times, staging time in your cars and we will not be able to accommodate wait together, camp together. ABSOLUTELY no campsite set ups, no tent canopies or pop-up tents will be allowed to be put up until high wind has passed. Yes this includes all onsite camping. Car, Tent, Lake Eldorado & Safari."
While some Twitter users were understanding of the situation, others felt that it was the festival's duty to find an alternative way to please the crowds.
In response to those that were upset about the festival's decision to cancel camping this Thursday, one Twitter user named Mark Kardjian explained the dangerous situation that arose from high winds on weekend 1.
According to Kardjian, a tree fell over onto a portable toilet during the first weekend of the festival. Thankfully, no one was injured.
According to the Press-Enterprise, the Weather Service "warned of winds of up to 35 mph and isolated gusts of up to 70 mph starting at 11 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, through 2 a.m. Friday, April 20, with less than a mile of visibility at times due blowing dust and sand." That doesn't sound like the ideal camping weather to us!
While this news may disappoint some festival-goers who planned on starting the party Thursday afternoon, these precautions are being taken specifically for the safety of all campers.
The festival opens at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 20 and will feature headliners The Weeknd, Beyoncé and Eminem over the course of three days. Bring a bandana to cover your nose and mouth from the dust and you're good to go!