HOUSTON – The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues to draw massive crowds to NRG Park, but Wednesday’s forecast added a new challenge for visitors.
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The severe storms moved across the Houston area, and rodeo officials urged guests to come prepared and stay weather aware if they plan to attend.
The carnival was temporarily paused due to the severe weather. Shortly before 4 p.m., all carnival rides have resumed, except for the slides.
Officials monitoring weather closely
Reporter Re’Chelle Turner visited the Rodeo last Thursday to discuss weather conditions.
Rodeo leaders say they are already keeping a close eye on developing weather conditions to make sure visitors remain safe.
Kyle Olsen, chief show operations officer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, said multiple weather monitoring systems are in place to track approaching storms.
“We are monitoring wind speeds just like the meteorologists are. We actually have a couple of different weather reporting systems, and we get weather alerts so we can be prepared on the grounds,” Olsen said. “We’re covering out to about 20 to 40 miles out looking at weather systems as they approach so we’re ready to let people know when it’s coming in.”
Where visitors can shelter if storms arrive
If storms move into the area, rodeo officials say there are several places where guests can take cover.
Large tents in the food halls offer temporary shelter, and visitors can also move inside nearby buildings such as NRG Arena and NRG Center.
Events will continue indoors as well.
A reminder from past storms
Severe weather has impacted the rodeo before. Two years ago, heavy rain, strong winds, and hail swept through the area, briefly disrupting activities at NRG Park.
Officials say experiences like that are why they take storm monitoring seriously.
Visitors say they’re ready
Despite the forecast, many visitors say they won’t let the possibility of rain ruin their rodeo plans.
“They cannot rain on our parade,” said Angie, who attended Thursday with her twin sons.
She says there are plenty of indoor activities if storms roll in.
“Right over there you have a whole row of food halls, but not only that we’re making our way toward NRG Center,” Angie said. “That’s amazing because not only do you get to see the birthing center and baby chickens and all of the different wildlife there.”
What happens if storms hit
Rodeo officials say if severe weather moves into the area, carnival rides will temporarily shut down until conditions are safe again.
Visitors are encouraged to:
- Bring umbrellas or ponchos
- Check the weather forecast before arriving
- Download the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo app for real-time updates
- Use the KPRC 2 Weather App to track changing conditions
Officials say the most important thing is staying aware of the weather while enjoying the rodeo.
Even with possible storms in the forecast, they say there are still plenty of ways to stay dry and enjoy the festivities at NRG Park.