Extreme wind conditions might cause problems for Stagecoach and the White Party
It’s hard to forget the sand storms which plagued last year’s music festival weekends.
But with two weekends of nearly perfect weather, windy conditions were just par for the course.
“The wind was probably blowing about 30 miles an hour and it was kicking up all kinds of dust. I was seeing a lot of people wearing bandanas, it was pretty bad. And it’s starting to pick up a bit today too,” Stagecoach attendee Mathew Roselle said.
The afternoon’s calm breeze seemed to give some country music fans a false sense of security.
“It’s kind of brutal, because obviously you go out there and it’s hot and sunny and you’re in tank tops and shorts like I am and by the end of the night it’s a little different,” Stagecoach attendee Jesse Lopez said.
While others who attended last year seem to be experiencing deja vu.
“We actually just looked it up and it said it’s going to be really windy. So we got some medicine and we’ll have to dress with lots of layers and try and bundle up for that,” Stagecoach attendee Molly Tobias said.
Despite the gusty winds, white party attendees said not even wind can ruin their fun.
“Everyone’s here to have a good time. We’re kind of like the postal service in that regard. So everyone that comes out to the desert, rain, sleet, wind, hail, expensive cocktails, it doesn’t matter and everyone’s here to have a good time and they’re going to make darn sure they do,” IT consultant Phillip Pegues said.
But it is important to understand the seriousness of extreme wind conditions.
“A really bad cough. We actually just left the store buying medicine for that. Kind of like congested and just not feeling too hot,” Tobias said.
The Centers for Disease Control said extreme exposure to these kinds of dusty winds can lead to asthma attacks, fever coughing and muscle aches.
Doctors said if you are going to be exposed to these conditions you should cover your mouth and nose and always stay hydrated.
“I planned on bringing a bandana to keep the sand and everything out of my face but I forgot when I was packing but it definitely helps if you have one,” Tobias said.
