Why wasn’t a weather plan enacted before NRG Park was hit with hail during RodeoHouston?

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Meteorologist Elyse Smith followed up with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and NRG Park on Monday afternoon regarding the severe hailstorm that hit the rodeo grounds on Friday. The storm caught many by surprise, with reports indicating there was little to no warning or precautions taken to protect those outdoors at the rodeo.

The weather team had been monitoring severe storms throughout the afternoon on Friday, including the one that eventually moved through NRG Park. The severe-warned storm first included NRG Park in the warning at 4:18 p.m. Friday. According to reporter Nick Natario, pea-to-quarter-size hail started falling heavily around 4:38 p.m. So, there was approximately a 20-minute lead time from when the warning was issued to when severe conditions hit the rodeo.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo provided the following statement to regarding its severe weather plan:

“Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and NRG Park staff utilize an extensive weather reporting service to ensure preparedness. Security and emergency personnel continuously monitor weather conditions. In the event of severe weather, Rodeo officials will determine which safety measures, if any, are necessary. These measures may include but are not limited to, closing temporary venues such as tented structures, carnival, and/or other outdoor venues, or complete grounds evacuation.”

This raises questions about why the plan was not implemented on Friday afternoon, or if it was, what adjustments need to be made for better preparation next time. has not received any comment on this matter or the severe weather plans.

Furthermore, the rodeo’s website does not contain any information on what to do in case of severe weather. The only mention of weather on the website pertains to the carnival section of the guest services webpage, which addresses procedures in the event of rain. There is no mention of thunderstorms, lightning, severe storms, etc.

With this in mind, reached out to NRG Park, the host site for the rodeo.

NRG Park provided the following statement to Eyewitness News:

“NRG Park utilizes various weather reporting services to ensure comprehensive preparedness for adverse weather conditions. In the event of severe weather, our dedicated staff collaborates closely with event clients to implement tailored safety protocols, prioritizing the well-being of all guests and personnel. These safety measures are carefully crafted based on the specific type of severe weather encountered. Through coordination with public safety officials, we maintain readiness to address any potential weather challenges that may arise.”

Both statements from NRG Park and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo share similarities. It’s worth noting that the rodeo was hosted on NRG park grounds. However, neither provided with specific details.

Additionally, Smith confirmed with the National Weather Service in Houston that NRG Park is not designated as a StormReady facility. If it were, it would be fully equipped to handle any weather emergency, as determined by the National Weather Service’s StormReady program. Smith previously reported on the program when the City of Houston was designated as a “StormReady Community” in June 2023. More information on the StormReady Program can be found here.