Should you evacuate the grandstands? What fans can expect if bad weather hits the Indy 500
With Sunday's forecasts for the Indianapolis 500 showing a high chance of rain, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been keeping a close eye on the skies.
Given the fluid nature of Indiana weather, IMS President Doug Boles told IndyStar previously that the speedway likely won't make any announcements about related changes before Sunday. But the venue does have plans in place in case of bad weather.
Should there be lightning, the grandstands will be evacuated, Amanda Stanley, the speedway's communications director, wrote in an email to IndyStar.
Wondering about the weather? How to stay informed in case of severe weather during Indy 500 weekend
"If this is the unfortunate case, we will notify fans through various channels including PA and video, and our facility team will help coordinate this," she wrote.
IndyStar has asked for further details on where people should evacuate, including those who don't drive to the race.
Weather-related instructions to fans will depend on the type of weather that is occurring, and the speedway will coordinate with weather and safety officials, Stanley wrote.
More race news: What's the latest on the Indy 500 blackout and will the race be delayed by weather?
How to get weather-related alerts for the Indy 500
Stanley recommended that fans stay updated on any announcements by following the speedway's social media accounts and downloading its app before arriving. The app is available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
The speedway also has a text alert system for updates, which people can join by texting "Indy500" to 67283.The National Weather Service's Indianapolis office regularly updates its X feed with forecasts, alerts and other local weather information. Follow them @NWSIndianapolis.
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Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How race fans can get Indianapolis 500 weather alerts, updates
