NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Concert attendees were asked to leave Central Park during “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert” on Saturday evening due to inclement weather as Hurricane Henri approached.
Earlier in the day, Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted, “Right now we don’t expect the weather to have a major impact on tonight’s concert in Central Park and the show will continue.”
READ MORE: Tracking of Henri: Hurricane, tropical storm warnings issued throughout the three-state area
The concert began around five in the afternoon as planned.
Around 7:40 p.m., as Barry Manilow took to the stage, the 22,000 people in attendance were asked to leave after seeing lightning in the area.
#BREAK: #NYChomecomingconcert canceled after a lightning strike during @barrymanilowperformance. More than 22,000 people are now being asked to leave @CentralParkNYC. More information at 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/Lt3VsyZJ9y
– Cory James (@CoryJamesTV) August 22, 2021
“Due to the approach of severe weather, all people should travel quickly and quietly to the nearest exit and go to your vehicles and protected areas outside the event venue. Please seek refuge for your safety, “an ad said.
#Parc Central Concert advice:
As the severe weather approaches, all those attending the event should move quietly to the nearest exits and proceed to the areas outside the park. This is NOT an emergency.
READ MORE: Henry’s follow-up: State of emergency declared in New York, Connecticut before the arrival of the hurricane
Please be guided by NYPD agents who are there to help. pic.twitter.com/21PWPvp4vZ
– NEWPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) August 21, 2021
The mayor took to the stage initially and told the concertgoers to return later in the evening.
There is a pause in the file #NYCHomeComingWeek concert due to the weather. Carefully exit the Great Lawn.
– Central Park (@CentralParkNYC) August 21, 2021
It is unclear at this time whether the other performances have been canceled or whether the concert will resume.
MORE NEWS: MTA announces LIRR, suspensions of the Metro-Nord railway as Henri approaches the tri-state area
Stay tuned to CBS2 News and CBSNewYork.com for news on this developing story.