Daytona Beach bracing for weekend wash-out

Storm forecasts are setting the table for a very wet weekend throughout Central Florida, leaving Memorial Day plans in danger for many.

Crowds at the massive Country 500 Festival at Daytona International Speedway shouldn’t have to worry about an end to the fun, but they may have to get soaked to enjoy the show.

Organizers said the event will go on rain or shine, and Speedway leaders said plans are in place in case the storms would move beyond rain and the crowd would need to take shelter.

"We run events year round here at the Speedway, we're used to dealing with weather, we have a very, very well thought out plan,” said Speedway President Chip Wile.

Many campers setting up for the event early on Thursday had canopies and extra tents ready in case the rain gets too heavy. However most said they planned to stick it out.

Crowds on the beach in Daytona may have a tougher go though.

With little cover to duck under in the event of a big rain, those chancing the beach this weekend may be left soaked it the storms hit hard.

Leaders with the Volusia County Beach Patrol said the beach will remain open as long as the storms don’t turn to lighting and thunder.

They, along with a lot of beach businesses are crossing their fingers that the weather stays clear though.

"Memorial Day weekend is kind of like our opening day,” said Beach Patrol Captain Tammy Malphurs. "We're going to have all our personnel, we're going to be fully staffed, we're expecting large crowds. If it does rain that makes it less busy on the beach."