BREAKING: Burning Man is Closed [Updates]

Hard to believe, but it’s true. They have closed the gate due to rain (and hail).

BRC is closed thru tonight & possibly into tomorrow a.m. Cars being turned back @ Wadsworth. Cars also being turned around @ event entrance.—
Burning Man (@burningman) August 25, 2014

RT @bmantraffic: Rain on Playa. Gate Road currently shut down at the 8 mile entrance. Stop before you get to Gerlach if you can.—
Burning Man (@burningman) August 25, 2014

Now Burners are being asked to stay in Reno, and not go past Gerlach.

If you’re in Reno, please stay there until we let you know the Gate has reopened.—
Burning Man (@burningman) August 25, 2014

Gate Road unlikely to open anytime in the next 4 hours. Stay in Reno please.—
Burning Man Traffic (@bmantraffic) August 25, 2014

Prior to the close, the wait was 2-3 hours from Wadsworth to 8 mile then 5-6 hours to get through the gate.

Rain on Playa. Try not to drive on wet playa. 2 hours Wadsworth to 8 Mile! Woo Hoo! Estimate 5-6 hours on Gate Road.—
Burning Man Traffic (@bmantraffic) August 25, 2014

Get updates from Twitter @bmantraffic @burnersdotme and listen live at BMIR and iHeartRadio.

We’ve been informed that the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno is offering a 50% room discount to Burners. Use code BURN14. Other hotels are also offering special deals for Burners, see here.

This UStream screen capture shows what the situation was like before they shut power down. BMIR kept transmitting for a while but they have gone off air too.

[Update 8/25/14 12:07PM]

Burner Paul is on the Playa and has an Internet connection. He sent the photo below. He says:

I’m here now and the storm is terrible…crazy loud thunder and non stop rain. Ive been unable to leave my tent for the last few hours lol! 

[Update 8/25/14 12:54pm]

Official word from @burningman is the gate will be closed until at least midday Tuesday. We imagine the line to get in then will be rather long. Some estimates have 10,000 people currently in line at the gate.

BRC is closed until midday Tuesday due to rain and standing water. Playa is un-drivable. Law enforcement is turning cars back.—
Burning Man (@burningman) August 25, 2014