Wednesday 5 April 2017 06:52, UK
The traditional pre-tournament Par 3 contest at the Masters faces being called off for the first time as further severe weather threatens to hit Augusta on Wednesday.
Monday's practice was curtailed in mid-afternoon when a tornado warning was issued, forcing officials to evacuate players and patrons from the course, while torrential rain, thunder and lightning caused an earlier delay of over an hour and a half.
The adverse weather gave way to warm temperatures and bright sunshine for Tuesday's practice rounds, with many of the 94 players getting extra holes under their belt with the prospect of a Wednesday washout.
Official Masters forecasters have warned of a dangerous weather system that is likely to reach Southern Georgia by 9am local time, bringing with it heavy rain and more thunderstorms which are expected to continue into the afternoon.
But the worst of the weather has been predicted for the afternoon, with hail storms followed by the likelihood of developing tornadoes, and the skies are not expected to clear until late into the evening.
The final weather update for the Augusta area issued on Tuesday night read: "Rain and thunderstorms will develop by 9-10am which will increase in coverage and continue into the early afternoon. Lightning, gusty winds and heavy rainfall can be expected during this time.
"This front stays in the Augusta area allowing scattered thunderstorms to regenerate across the area during the afternoon. These storms will likely become severe and could produce tornadoes, damaging winds, hail, lightning and heavy rainfall.
"This activity should taper off during the evening with a lull before a cold front arrives with another round of rain and thunderstorms after midnight."
The Par 3 contest, which is scheduled to start at midday (5pm BST) has never been postponed since the event was introduced in 1960, and no player has ever managed to win the Par 3 and the Masters in the same year.
However, the extended weather outlook for the main tournament is positive, although the opening round is likely to be played in cool, blustery conditions with winds gusting up to 40mph at times.
Thursday's later starters, which include Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, should have the best of the conditions as the winds become less severe, while Friday's forecast is for a "chilly start, partly cloudy, breezy and cooler".
Warmer conditions are predicted for the weekend, with Sunday's final round set to be played in temperatures of over 20 degrees and under mostly sunny skies with only a hint of breeze.
