Spain's World Cup training suspended in Tennessee after severe thunderstorm and tornado warning

Severe weather stops the session

Spain's men's football squad had begun their Monday evening training at 18:00 local time at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Five minutes earlier, journalists at the venue had received a mobile alert from the US National Weather Service warning of a severe thunderstorm with destructive wind gusts of up to 80 mph (129 km/h) and the possible formation of a tornado. The players took to the pitch after organizers gave the green light, but after roughly 15 to 20 minutes on the grass the coaching staff decided to halt the outdoor session.

“Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for this area... destructive gusts of 80 mph. Take shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows. Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms.”

Safety protocol in effect

The Spanish Football Federation explained that the decision followed the US lightning safety protocol. Players and staff must take cover if lightning is detected within 10 miles (16 kilometres). At the start of the session the nearest strikes were about 20 miles away, but the storm cells moved closer. Activity cannot resume until lightning remains farther than 10 miles and a continuous 30-minute period without any electrical discharge has passed.

“Spain's training, after 20 minutes on the Baylor School pitch and following the US Storm Safety Protocol, has been moved to the gym where the players continued their preparation for the final group match against Uruguay.”

By 18:20 a heavy downpour was falling and journalists at the facility moved to a covered tent. The squad relocated to an indoor weight room about a hundred metres away to complete the day's workload.

Celebrations before the storm

Earlier in the day the camp had a lighter moment. A guard of honour was formed for midfielders Rodri and Mikel Merino, both celebrating their 30th birthday on Monday, as well as for head coach Luis De La Fuente, who turned 65 on Sunday. De La Fuente told reporters at a lunch attended by federation president Rafael Louzán that he had marked his birthday privately and planned a joint celebration with the two players.

“I celebrated privately. Today we'll do something together with Merino and Rodri.”

Wider disruption to the World Cup schedule

The same storm system that hit Tennessee also forced the suspension of the France-Iraq group-stage match in Philadelphia, which was being played at the same hour. Summer thunderstorms are not unusual in the region and organisers have been following the standard protocols, which require at least a 30-minute stoppage when lightning is within 10 miles of a venue.