BTS Chile Concerts to Go Ahead Despite Tornado, but Is the Danger Over?

K-POP group BTS' first concert in Chile is expected to proceed as scheduled despite a powerful storm that swept through Santiago on October 13th, bringing heavy rain, hail, widespread flooding and a tornado just hours before the group's highly anticipated return.

Chile's National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) declared a red alert across the Metropolitan Region on Tuesday as intense rainfall and strong winds flooded streets, disrupted Metro services and left thousands of residents without electricity.

Among the most unusual incidents was a suspected tornado near Terminal Sur in Estación Central, where powerful winds tore sections of roofing from the bus terminal. Chile's Meteorological Directorate (DMC) preliminarily classified the phenomenon as an EF-0 tornado, associated with estimated wind speeds of 105 to 137 kilometers per hour.

The storm also affected the Estadio Nacional complex, where flooding was reported inside an indoor sports facility. Images circulating online prompted concerns among BTS fans about possible damage to the concert venue and whether the performances would be canceled.

However, Ñuñoa Mayor Sebastián Sichel confirmed that the main stadium had not suffered damage affecting the concerts. "The concert continues normally," he said, explaining that the flooded sports facility was separate from the main performance area.

Rain alone does not necessarily prevent outdoor concerts from proceeding. However, lightning, dangerous winds, flooding or damage to essential equipment can require organizers to suspend performances until conditions improve.

BTS has already experienced a similar situation during its ongoing "ARIRANG" World Tour. On August 22, severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall disrupted the group's opening Toronto concert at Rogers Stadium, forcing fans in exposed seating areas to temporarily seek shelter.

The performance eventually began approximately 25 minutes late, with BTS continuing despite rain returning later in the evening. Toronto demonstrated that difficult weather conditions do not automatically lead to cancellation, provided organizers determine that the venue is safe for both performers and audiences.

However, the circumstances in Santiago are not identical. Beyond the potential impact on the performance itself, the storm caused significant disruptions across the city, including public transportation and roads that thousands of concertgoers will rely on to reach Estadio Nacional.

Authorities had already arranged extended Metro operating hours, traffic restrictions and additional security measures to accommodate the large crowds expected across the three concerts. Another intense storm could therefore affect entry and transportation arrangements even if the main stadium remains undamaged.

Fortunately, the latest weather forecasts offer some reassurance as Chilean meteorologist Michelle Adam indicated that significant rainfall was not expected during the October 14 concert, although there remained a small possibility of thunderstorms between approximately 3 and 7 p.m., shortly before the scheduled 8 p.m. performance.

The outlook for October 16 and 17 appears more favorable, with no significant rainfall expected during either concert. Nevertheless, forecasts can change, and any renewed severe weather warnings could require organizers and local authorities to reassess conditions.

For now, no cancellation or postponement has been announced, and all three performances on October 14, 16 and 17 remain scheduled.