Weather dampens Boulder's July 4 drone show
Jul. 4—The start time of the July 4 drone show in Boulder has been delayed due to lightning, according to the event website. The show is now slated to begin at 9:40 p.m.
The University of Colorado Boulder police tweeted at 8:01 p.m. that severe weather remains at Folsom Field and that anyone entering the stadium should shelter in the concourse or in the Bach Fieldhouse and follow instructions given in the stadium.
CU police tweeted at 7:25 p.m. that the severe weather was ongoing, and anyone outside the stadium should stay in their vehicles or seek shelter in nearby parking structures.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon, Boulder had announced some changes to the drone show due the ominous weather outlook for the afternoon and evening.
In a 2:04 p.m. tweet, the National Weather Service in Boulder announced a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming until 11 p.m. Tuesday night. Boulder County was shown among the areas in Colorado that could see stormy weather.
According to the city, the ideal time to fly the drones is around 9:35 p.m., but the actual time could be moved earlier or later, depending on weather conditions. The drones could fly as early as 8:15 p.m. or as late as 10 p.m., and the city will make the final call during the event. After 10 p.m., if the weather has not improved, the show will be canceled.
The official event website states that drones can fly in light rain, but not in heavy rain, lightning, visibility under three miles or sustained winds of over 20 miles per hour. Lightning within eight miles of the stadium will prompt a shelter-in-place order, and guests will need to gather in the concourse until the storm has passed.
Additionally, bands may play from the Touchdown Club instead of on the field to keep musicians safe. However, umbrellas will still be allowed in the stadium.
The most up-to-date information on the event can be found at boulder4thofjuly.com.
Around the area
The City of Louisville reported on its website at 7:30 p.m. that due to severe weather the Coal Creek Golf Course is closed:
"For everyone's safety, please vacate the area. The fireworks show is currently on hold. City staff will monitor the storm and post updates. Thank you for your patience and stay safe!"
Broomfield City and County tweeted at 8:36 p.m. that the show will go on at 9 p.m.
Earlier Tuesday, Estes Park postponed its Fourth of July fireworks display to July 15 due to a "severe weather forecast," as reported by the Loveland Reporter-Herald.
"This decision was made out of concern for the safety of spectators and event staff," according to the official announcement.
The fireworks festivities in Loveland had not been canceled as of 6:20 p.m., according to a report from the Reporter-Herald.
Staff at Reporter-Herald contributed to this report.
