Stagecoach evacuates amid high winds

Stagecoach temporarily evacuated the Empire Polo Club in Indio around 8 p.m. Saturday after high winds hit the festival grounds. (abc7.com) Video screens told fans the festival was postponed until further notice and directed them to move quickly and calmly to the nearest exit. (abc7.com) (rollingstone.com) The pause came as Little Big Town was on the Mane Stage and wind gusts sent dirt and cowboy hats through the air, with vendors shutting down early as conditions worsened. (rollingstone.com) Stagecoach said later Saturday night that the festival would resume, and organizers posted updated set times after crews prepared the site for attendees to return. (abc7.com) Lainey Wilson’s headlining set moved back one hour to 10:30 p.m., and Pitbull’s late-night set was delayed as the schedule was rebuilt. (abc7.com) (rollingstone.com) Journey and Riley Green were cut from Saturday’s bill after the evacuation, according to the updated schedule reported overnight. (rollingstone.com) (billboard.com) The weather threat extended beyond the concert schedule. A Wind Advisory for the Coachella Valley remained in effect into Sunday morning, with sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour and gusts up to 50 miles per hour, with isolated gusts to 60 through the passes. (kesq.com) South Coast Air Quality Management District also warned of windblown dust and unhealthy particle pollution in parts of the Coachella Valley through Sunday morning. (aqmd.gov) Stagecoach runs April 24 through April 26 this year, and Post Malone is still scheduled to headline the festival’s final night on Sunday. (usatoday.com) (abc7.com) By late Saturday, the festival’s message had shifted from evacuation orders to a three-word update: “Back in the saddle.” (abc7.com)