Powerful dust storms and high winds swept the Black Rock Desert on Saturday evening, damaging campsites, causing travel delays and producing at least four minor injuries. The National Weather Service issued dust storm and wind advisories, warning of a wall of blowing dust moving northward at 30mph (48km/h) and gusts exceeding 45–50mph, with potential rain and scattered thunderstorms. Attendees reported tents and structures being ripped and torn down despite efforts to secure them, and footage showed intense winds, dust and collapsed tents. Organizers closed the gate and halted flights Sunday night, advised people on site to secure belongings and avoid driving, and reopened the gate and airport by Monday morning as conditions improved.
According to San Francisco Chronicle, a powerful dust storm swept through the Black Rock Desert where the annual event is held on Saturday evening, damaging campsites, causing travel delays and resulting in at least four minor injuries. The National Weather Service issued a dust storm advisory for the area that evening, warning of a wall of blowing dust moving northward at 30mph (48km/h), with strong wind gusts in excess of 45mph.
A spokesperson for the Burning Man Project told SFGate that wind gusts reached over 45 mph for a sustained period of time and that participants and staff were advised to batten down their camps and avoid driving during low visibility. On Sunday the first official day of the 2025 festival the NWS issued another dust advisory as well as a wind advisory, forecasting gusts up to 50mph, along with potential rain and scattered thunderstorms.
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