Heavy rain prompted the postponement of the IndyCar series Honda Grand Prix until Monday, organizers said.

With rain pummelling the 1.8-mile street circuit and thunder and lightning lashing the area, Indy Racing League officials decided to reschedule for Monday morning - despite the logistical headache of continued road closures.

Driver Graham Rahal said on Twitter that there was so much water on the track that "you cannot see where the road stops."

It marked the first time since April 2008, when Danica Patrick won in Japan, that an IndyCar event was postponed.

Typically Indy races go ahead in the rain, as occurred at the season-opener in Sao Paulo two weeks ago.

But the puddles on the track, which can launch cars into the air, combined with the lightning prompted the decision.

In addition, the National Weather Service said winds exceeding 25 mph - with higher gusts possible - were blowing through the area.

"It was pretty slick out there and the white lines on the runway were treacherous," said Stefan Wilson, who ran third in the soaked IndyLights race Sunday afternoon, which was to precede the IndyCar event.

"A lot of people made a lot of mistakes in front of me."