New York’s ‘homecoming’ concert called off as hurricane nears

New York City shut down on Aug. 21 its star-studded concert meant to mark its "homecoming" in the wake of the pandemic's worst devastation, over the threat of severe weather as Hurricane Henri churned closer.
Some 60,000 people were expected at the concert in Central Park, as the hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds near 120 kilometers per hour and heavy rains, was drawing closer to making landfall sometime on Aug. 22.
Sporadic lightning and thunder rolled in over the park as people streamed out of the grounds, with some taking shelter under scaffolding and building entryways.

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The weather cut short a show that had begun with groups of revelers cheering and dancing, with seating marked out by laying down picnic blankets ahead of five hours of live music that kicked off at 5:00 pm (2100 GMT).
Even before the bad weather hit, many were still concerned over COVID-19, despite vaccination requirements.
All attendees aged 12 and over had to provide proof of vaccination, except for those prevented from getting shots for reasons of disability. Masks were not required at the outdoor event, except for unvaccinated children.
Speaking on local radio on Aug. 20, Mayor Bill de Blasio had said the concert was meant as a marker of recovery.
The celebration was planned "to really tell people New York City was back, to tell the whole world," he said.
The pandemic hit New York hard in early 2020, and has left more than 33,000 people dead. But life-long New York resident Bill Thompson said he was "more guarded than ever."
Despite lingering coronavirus concerns, the 69-year-old said "it's a joy" to see the city coming back to life. "It feels so free to be able to enjoy what people have missed for so long."
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