National Mall evacuation update: Stormtroopers shut down Washington, D.C.; 4th of July fireworks still going off?
Severe weather prompted federal officials to issue evacuation warnings Saturday night as thousands gathered at the National Freedom Plaza to celebrate the 250th anniversary. washington Washington, D.C., the Great American State Fair, and the Annual Tribute USA Fireworks show.
Why an evacuation alert was issued?
The National Park Service issued a weather evacuation alert around 7:15 p.m., asking visitors watching the fireworks to seek shelter and follow instructions from park rangers, law enforcement and other event staff. Such 9. “Due to severe weather in the area, we are asking visitors to seek shelter,” the agency said in a social media post.
About 20 minutes later, Freedom 250 organizers upgraded the alert, asking attendees to evacuate the event immediately and seek temporary shelter in nearby buildings as severe storms approached the area.
“The safety of our guests, performers and staff is our top priority,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said in a statement. “Due to the approaching severe storm, Freedom 250, the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Park Police, the National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and all public safety partners are asking all guests to evacuate the event venue and seek temporary shelter in nearby buildings.”
The warning comes as thunderstorms sweep through the Washington area.
Also read: Where to watch 4th of July fireworks today in New York, Chicago, Houston, New Jersey and more
There is no update on whether the Washington, D.C., fireworks show will go ahead.
Meanwhile, fireworks plans are still moving forward in other cities, including chicago and New YorkThe tall ship passed the Statue of Liberty earlier in the day, The Washington Post reported.
Where tourists are told to take refuge
Organizers directed visitors to seek refuge at the Department of Commerce, Education, Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service Building, Voice of America Building, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Ronald Reagan Building, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
according to a Posted by Anthony Guglielmiattendees who are already within the secure area will be directed to designated shelter locations by Secret Service agents, U.S. Park Police and event staff.
“No one is being admitted at this time. This action is purely for public safety and we cannot estimate when screening can resume,” Guglielmi said in the post.
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 10 p.m. WTO. A previously issued extreme heat alert has been cancelled, but a purple air quality alert remains in effect, meaning the air quality is considered unhealthy for everyone.
