Lightning strike causes evacuation of FIFA Fan Fest Miami during World Cup match

FIFA fans cheering on Australia and Egypt at Fan Festival Miami inside Bayfront Park had to put the game on hold Friday as a lightning strike nearby forced organizers to evacuate and close the venue, authorities say.

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Around 2:30 p.m., FIFA World Cup Miami posted on its Instagram that the festival was temporarily closed due to weather conditions.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Jared Heil told the Miami Herald a lightning strike occurred about five miles away from the event. That triggered the Fan Festival’s safety protocol for evacuation due to severe weather.

By 3:40 p.m., the thunderstorm already dissipated and there were clear skies over Miami, he said. However, it is unclear if the Fan Festival has reopened.

The City of Miami was forecast to have a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday, the weather service said. The inclement weather could possibly take place during the highly anticipated Argentina vs. Cabo Verde match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

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Some thunderstorms may re-form after 5 p.m., Heil said, with overall chances dropping to 30% by 9 p.m.

The Fan Festival has evacuated attendees and turned away fans several times since it opened early June due to high temperatures and rain showers.

READ MORE: Fans briefly turned away from FIFA Fan Festival in Miami due to scorching heat

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