WASHINGTON — Severe thunderstorms forced the evacuation of thousands of people from the National Mall on Saturday evening, interrupting marquee events marking the United States' 250th anniversary before celebrations resumed later in the night after authorities determined conditions had improved.
Emergency officials ordered attendees to leave the event grounds and seek shelter as storms approached the nation's capital following a day of dangerous heat that had already disrupted several America 250 activities. Organizers later reopened the National Mall, allowing the delayed program, including President Donald Trump's address and a large fireworks display, to proceed.
The District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency urged visitors to act immediately, warning in a public advisory that a severe thunderstorm was affecting the National Mall and instructing people to follow directions from law enforcement and event staff. Federal buildings and museums were opened as temporary shelters while authorities monitored weather conditions.
Freedom 250, the nonprofit coordinating much of the anniversary programming, said the evacuation decision was made jointly with the U.S. Secret Service, National Park Service, U.S. Park Police, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other public safety partners, describing the safety of guests, performers and staff as the top priority.
The storm disruption followed an extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service for the Washington area, where heat index values were forecast to reach between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit (43 to 46 degrees Celsius). The dangerous conditions had already prompted organizers to cancel Washington's Independence Day parade and adjust schedules for other anniversary events.
Officials also implemented additional measures to reduce heat exposure, including delaying the opening of some venues and expanding access to cooling resources. Media reports cited multiple heat-related medical incidents during anniversary festivities, though authorities had not linked those cases directly to the later storm evacuation.
After weather conditions improved, organizers announced that security screening would resume and gates would reopen to attendees. President Trump delivered his speech later than originally scheduled, and the planned fireworks display proceeded following the delay.
The temporary evacuation underscored the challenges posed by extreme weather during one of the country's largest public celebrations, as officials balanced public safety with efforts to continue events commemorating the nation's semiquincentennial. Authorities continued to advise attendees to monitor official updates and follow public safety instructions as celebrations concluded.
