PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A weather delay may have briefly interrupted the match between France and Iraq Monday night, but that did not stop the good vibes from fans in the city.
Severe thunderstorms were in the forecast Monday between 3 and 9 p.m., according to AccuWeather. The storms brought some damaging winds, lightning and hail across the region, leaving downed trees and wires in the suburbs and knocking out service for some. It delayed the soccer match at halftime and pushed the Phillies to a later start against the Nationals. There was even a ground stop issued at Philadelphia International Airport.
Fans attending the game inside Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium) cannot bring umbrellas, but ponchos are allowed. Fans and players were equally drenched as rain poured down before the delay. Despite the suspension, many were seen making the most of their night at local bars, drinking and chanting.
The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill is a rain-or-shine event, but organizers closed the site early due to severe weather.
A tornado warning was lifted around 5:30 p.m. A flash flood warning remains in effect through 10 p.m. Showers are expected to trickle out overnight.
