NBC experiences momentary interruption in transmission of Indy 500 pre-race show due to intense weather.
Ferocious storms and tornadoes have rampaged through the United States during the Memorial Day weekend, with some cases proving fatal. These storms have also disrupted the renowned motor race, resulting in delays, evacuations, and a satellite outage.
A spokesperson for NBC Sports conveyed this to CNN, saying, "During pre-race coverage, severe weather affected our signal and temporarily interrupted our broadcast. We went on a commercial break and restored service for viewers once we returned."
Meteorologists picked up on this on a social media platform known as X, previously called Twitter. Kevin Lighty, a meteorologist for WCIA, a CBS affiliate in central Illinois, shared the following: "Rain so heavy it knocked out the NBC satellite uplink from the Indy 500. Severe storms hovering over the track at the moment." WCNC Charlotte's chief meteorologist was also quick to notice and called it out on X.
NBC's pre-race coverage commenced early morning, while the race was rescheduled due to bad weather. Coverage recommenced well prior to the race's start.
The Indy 500 was originally scheduled for a 12:45 p.m. ET start, but organisers postponed it to 4:44 p.m. ET. They also put on hold pre-race celebrations and ordered fans to leave the grandstands because of the storm.
"We're grateful for your patience as you waited out the rain with us. We hope to witness some racing action soon, as track drying is in progress," Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the venue for this event, announced on X on Sunday afternoon.
The adjustments to the plans also impacted how the race was televised.
Under normal circumstances, the Indy 500 isn't broadcast in central Indiana due to a television blackout, designed to urge locals to purchase tickets and witness the event personally. However, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway declared on X that the blackout was lifted due to the commotion.
"For those who couldn't attend the Speedway in person because of today's schedule adjustments, NBC affiliate WTHR will air the race live in Central Indiana, with the local blackout lifted due to the storm," the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced on X.
CNN's Sam Joseph contributed to this article.
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Despite the storm-related disruptions, NBC managed to resume its Indy 500 coverage, ensuring business continuity for its viewers.
The unexpected lifting of the Indy 500 blackout in central Indiana due to the weather also presented an unusual business opportunity for local NBC affiliate WTHR.
Source: edition.cnn.com
