The last day of Pharrell Williams' Something in the Water festival has been canceled due to severe weather.
The city of Virginia Beach made the announcement shortly after 6 p.m. "following several calls and meetings today with the National Weather Service, festival organizers and in consultation with our emergency management leadership," officials wrote in a news release.
Earlier Sunday, festival organizers had said the event was delayed "until further notice" with thunderstorms on the horizon.
The forecast proved true, and heavy rains, winds and lightning put festivalgoers' safety in jeopardy, the city said. A tornado warning issued not long before the cancellation was the last straw.
“No one wants to make this call, but we cannot predict nor negotiate with the weather tonight. It is our responsibility to ensure public safety above all else,” City Manager Patrick Duhaney said in a statement.
“The City thanks the Something in the Water team, our public safety teams and City staff for their hard work this weekend under fluctuating weather conditions, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding of this difficult decision.”
Friday's highly anticipated launch of the festival was also delayed by winds and rain but opened to eager attendees by 5 p.m., allowing for performances by Jazmine Sullivan, Doechii, Kid Cudi and others.
Despite the late start, city officials estimate 25,000-30,000 people came out to the first night of Something in the Water.
The festival's second day saw clear weather and went smoothly, with performances from the Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, Summer Walker and of course Pharrell himself, who brought onstage others including M.I.A. and Diddy.
Tonight's closing lineup had included Grace Jones, Masego, Lil Uzi Vert and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Something in the Water will refund about a third of the price of each ticket. Refunds will be automatically processed starting Monday and take about two weeks.
