UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn is set to move forward Sunday, June 14, with federal and local agencies rolling out contingency plans for possible severe weather.
The U.S. Secret Service has prepared for storms and lightning during the event in Washington, DC, with meteorologists from both the U.S. government and the UFC on site. The DC Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also plugged into the operation in real time.
"We also have the DC Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management that are in real-time coordination with us and the federal partners," Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said, adding, "There are weather accommodations that are included in our planning and for general guidance, they would be comparable to the planning used for the 4th of July fireworks in previous years."
Meteorologist Kyle Pallozzi noted the risk levels being monitored ahead of fight night. "It's the lowest level they can outlook for a tornado and then also the lowest level they can outlook for hail," he said. "So definitely primary threats are damaging winds."
Washington, DC, had already been experiencing thunderstorms before the event, with a UFC press conference at the Lincoln Memorial delayed Friday night due to poor weather and nearby lightning strikes.
Despite the conditions, UFC President Dana White has been adamant the card will proceed. "Listen, the show goes on on Sunday," White said. "No matter what happens."
