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US July Fourth Celebrations Disrupted by Severe Storms in Washington
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

US July Fourth Celebrations Disrupted by Severe Storms in Washington

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the U.S. East Coast, following a heatwave.
  • The inclement weather has forced the postponement of major July Fourth celebration events in Washington D.C.
  • The 'Tribute to America' event and the 'Great American Fair' on the National Mall have been rescheduled.

Washington D.C.'s National Mall, the site of major July Fourth festivities, has been evacuated due to an approaching severe thunderstorm, disrupting the nation's 250th-anniversary celebrations. The 'Tribute to America' event and the 'Great American Fair,' which were scheduled to take place on Sunday, have been postponed until the weather clears.

For your safety directing all guests to immediately evacuate.

โ€” OfficialsAnnounced during the evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather.

The evacuation order came as fierce wind gusts and lightning threatened the tens of thousands gathered for the event, which was also expected to feature an address by U.S. President Donald Trump. Officials urged attendees to seek shelter immediately in nearby museums and government buildings.

When you have lightning less than 5km away that's a mandatory evacuation.

โ€” Secret Service officerExplaining the evacuation order to a hesitant family.

Despite the evacuation orders, some attendees initially resisted leaving, chanting "USA, USA, USA" as military aircraft flew overhead as part of a planned air show. Law enforcement eventually had to escort these individuals out of the area. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the region, emphasizing the immediate danger posed by the lightning.

We are evacuating, start moving.

โ€” Secret Service officerUrging people to leave the National Mall area.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.