3M Open Prioritizes Safety Amid Weather Challenges

Severe weather disrupted the 3M Open in Blaine on Wednesday afternoon, prompting PGA officials to evacuate the course twice before ultimately canceling the remainder of the Pro-Am event.

As the tournament continues through the weekend, city, county, and PGA officials are collaborating to maintain safety on the course.

"Weather is a significant concern alongside security. Golf is an outdoor sport, and we have several thousand spectators here today and throughout the weekend," stated Russ Clark, Blaine's Emergency Management Director. "There isn't much shelter available for people during severe weather."

Clark highlighted various weather threats, including lightning, hail, wind, and tornadoes. His team monitors a 20-mile radius around the event, but with assistance from the National Weather Service, they can extend their watch even further.

"That could encompass a 30-mile radius or more, allowing us to develop evacuation plans for spectators or anyone on the course," he explained.

In certain situations, Clark noted that clearing the course could take up to 45 minutes, emphasizing that action should be taken at the first sound of thunder.

Over the past decade, lightning strikes have claimed the lives of 16 individuals on golf courses, with two fatalities occurring this summer alone.

Regardless of the weather threats, Clark assured that clear communication would be prioritized to prevent confusion among attendees. "We'll do our best to disseminate information promptly. It should be a fun week, so come out to Blaine," he added.

Play is set to resume Thursday morning at approximately 7 a.m.

Adam, a Pittsburgh native with a lifelong passion for weather phenomena, has always been fascinated by storms. After obtaining his meteorology degree from Penn State, he moved to the Ohio Valley to provide forecasts for WTOV.