The Windy City Smokeout ended its second day early on Friday outside the United Center, as potentially severe storms approached Chicago, following Thursday night's evacuation due to the weather. 

The Windy City Smokeout is a four-day festival, and it got off to a wet start.             

Attendees were left drenched in a storm and had to briefly evacuate Thursday night. They were able to return to see the night's headliner. 

Gates opened to sunny skies Friday afternoon, and fans rushed to the stage. With severe storms approaching, concerts started early in an effort to beat the rain, and the festival was shut down early around 8 p.m. to make sure visitors could get home safe.

Organizers posted a message on X, saying, "Thank you for coming y'all! Get home safe, see y'all tomorrow."

Headliners typically take the stage around 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. each day of the festival, but on Friday, Old Dominion started their set at 7 p.m., wrapping up by about 8 p.m.

It was still light out as country music fans filed out of the United Center parking lots.

"It's light out right now. We are used to the headliner coming on when its dark out and vibes are flowing," Ally Crenshaw said.

Police officers at the festival said they worked with festival staff throughout the day to come up with a plan and ultimately decided to end the night a little early—while still giving fans a complete show.

That planning paid off as every music act was able to perform, and fans got a head start heading home before the rain arrived.

"I like that it's earlier, because I saw on the weather it's supposed to rain at like 10 o'clock. So it kind of works out for rides and stuff, because last night we were soaked and we got in our car it was awful," Emmy Lynch said.

Storms on Thursday night prompted organizers to evacuate the Windy City Smokeout for about an hour, sending fans to a covered parking garage at nearby Malcolm X College to wait out the storm before they were allowed back in. 

Fans are hoping for better weather the rest of the weekend. Additional storm chances redevelop Saturday afternoon. The coverage and intensity of storms will not be as great on Saturday. That being said, a few storms on Saturday afternoon and early evening could be strong with heavy rainfall. 

We finally dry out on Sunday with highs in the low to mid 80s.