The CFP National Championship game was thrown into chaos even before the teams kicked off because of the weather.
Hours before the Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies played to determine college football's top team, Mother Nature made her presence known at Houston's NRG Stadium.
Bad weather gripped the region for much of the day, with strong winds and rain pouring over the stadium, drenching the surrounding area and forcing drivers to scramble to gain entry.
KPRC 2 in Houston reported. Fans were advised to shelter in place while severe weather moved through the area.
The CFP fan experience was canceled as the rain was not yet falling heavily, but the winds had become worryingly strong and stadium staff were seen removing equipment as a precautionary measure, according to reports. .
Heavy rain fell in the early hours before the game, and the city was scheduled to be under a tornado watch until 9 p.m. CST, according to the Associated Press.
The newspaper also reported that fans were having trouble holding umbrellas as they made their way to the stadium gates.
Adding to the already strange sight outside, inside the stadium, the roof of the Huskies' sideline goal area was leaking.
Video of water dripping onto the field showed a University of Michigan player walking by, noticing it, and continuing his pregame preparations.
The weather also affected people trying to get to the stadium, including friends and family of University of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.
Weather forced the plane carrying Baltimore coach John Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Mike McDonald and members of the Ravens brass to be diverted to Austin. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
The plane was scheduled to land on the outskirts of the city at around 6:30 p.m. local time, Thamel newspaper reported.
Monday's College Football Playoff Championship pitted Michigan and Washington State against the Wolverines, who are coming off a drama-filled season, and a Huskies team looking to give the Pac-12 a proper sendoff.
