Burning Man organizers telling attendees roads too dangerous to complete ‘exodus’

The organizers of this year’s annual Burning Man festival are warning attendees that the roads are too dangerous to complete the “exodus,” a term referring to the festival’s conclusion and exit process.

This comes as tens of thousands of people who gathered for the festival remained stranded in the Nevada desert Sunday after storms swept through the area, prompting warnings for attendees to shelter in place. Officials say they are investigating a possible death from the festival and are working to open the exit paths as soon as they can.

The organizers said “the roads remain too wet and muddy to officially open them for Exodus” in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. They also said an additional “uncertain weather front” was approaching Black Rock City.

“Please do NOT drive at this time. Road conditions differ based on the neighborhood. We will update you on the driving ban after this weather front has left the area,” the organizers warned, noting that those with four-wheel drive capabilities may be able to successfully navigate the roads.

The organizers also said they still “plan to burn the Man” on Sunday — which refers to its annual tradition of burning a large wooden effigy.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management said the entrance to the event would be closed for the remainder of the event, which began on Aug. 27 and was scheduled to end Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.