US blizzards hit Madison Square Garden gig

Louis CK has been forced to cancel part of his record-breaking run at New York’s Madison Square Garden – because of the weather.

A huge snowstorm set to hit the North-East coast of the States soon, with New York mayor Bill de Blasio saying it could be the biggest ever, beating the 70cm of snow that fell in 2006.

Louis CK had been due to play to 15,000 people in the city tomorrow night, but says he has no option but to pull out.

In an email to fans, he wrote: ‘They are calling this storm "historic" which.... Well I didn't know you could call a thing historic if it hasn't happened yet. But I'm not one to defy future historic events.

‘And I have to be respectful of the responsibility I have to the 15,000 people who are holding tickets to the show and could be stranded somewhere historically trying to get to or from my show. I think it's clearly better that I alter history in the name of safety and cancel.’

The show would have been the fourth CK played there this month, but even selling three shows in a month in the vast arena is a first for a comedian.

In his email, CK added: ‘If you've ever tried to get your deposit back when you rent a banquet hall for a wedding that gets snowed out, you don't want to even know what the deposit is on Madison Square Jesus Christing Garden is.’

CK will however be appearing on Letterman tonight.

A blizzard warning has been issued across New York and Boston from Monday afternoon until Tuesday. Although there is currently only light snow in Manhattan, residents were warned about getting a ‘false sense of security’.

Many schools and offices have been closed and commuters urged to work from home if possible as public transport and major roads could closed before evening rush hour. Many stores have also been hit by panic buying, running out of food, water and other essential items.

Several other comedy clubs on the Atlantic coast have also cancelled their shows tonight, including Stand Up NY and Laugh Boston, who tweeted: ‘If it gets any whiter out there, this storm will be nominated for an Academy Award.’

Published: 26 Jan 2015