Vikings-Jets delayed by lightning, stands cleared

Fans were cleared from the stands at the New Meadowlands Stadium 10 minutes before the scheduled start of the Minnesota Vikings-New York Jets game Monday night because of lightning and heavy rain.

The inclement weather delayed the start twice. The game, originally scheduled for 8:30 p.m., was delayed at first by 20 minutes and then again until 9:15.

An announcement blared over the public address system telling fans to clear the stands, and the four video boards displayed a message that read: Due to lightning, please head to concourses until further notice.

Players from both teams, who were warming up on the field for the second time, headed to their locker rooms.