UFC Tells Attendees To “Plan Accordingly” As Severe Thunderstorm Watch Threatens To Disrupt Trump White House Cage Match

The UFC is telling attendees to “plan accordingly” as the D.C. region was put under a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m., weather that has added a new level of uncertainty to the unprecedented championship fights scheduled to take place on the South Lawn.

“We anticipate inclement weather in the area, so attendees should plan accordingly,” the UFC announced. “We will share additional information when available.”

Capital Weather said that the “main timeframe in and around Beltway looks like 6-10 pm. Dangerous lightning, scattered wind gusts to around 70 mph, and isolated hail or a brief tornado all possible.”

Paramount+ is still planning to start its streamcast of the event starting at 8 p.m. ET. But particularly with lightning, safety is a major concern.

The event is tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States, but it is also taking place on Donald Trump‘s 80th birthday. He is scheduled to arrive at the makeshift arena, constructed under a giant, Vegas-lit overhang known as “the claw,” starting at 7:45 p,m. ET, after attending a VIP reception.

Organizers said that $60 million already has been spent on the event, according to a court filing last week. About 4,000 guests are expected on the South Lawn, and tens of thousands were anticipated at a watch party on the Ellipse.