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Severe Weather Forces Temporary Evacuation of Freedom 250 Event on National Mall
Thunderstorms prompted officials to clear the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during the July 4, 2026, Freedom 250 celebration. The evacuation began around 7 p.m. Eastern Time and directed attendees to nearby shelters while organizers monitored conditions.
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Severe thunderstorms prompted the temporary evacuation of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during the Freedom 250 Fourth of July event on Saturday evening. Organizers directed thousands of attendees to white tents on either side of the site and instructed them to follow law enforcement and event staff.
D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management listed the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Department of Commerce, the Internal Revenue Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as emergency shelters.
A severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect through the night, and the agency warned that flooding had already occurred in parts of the Chicago area earlier in the day. Organizers stated there was no immediate word on when the Mall would reopen or whether the schedule would be significantly delayed.
m. Eastern Time, followed by a fireworks display.
Pyrotecnico, the family-owned company contracted for the show, prepared to launch 850,000 individual fireworks over 40 minutes. Company president Rocco Vitale told CBS News the display would be the largest in the firm's history. First lady Melania Trump was confirmed to attend the Salute to America 250 Celebration and Fireworks.
" — Organizers, July 4, 2026 (CBS News) >"A severe thunderstorm is occurring near the National Mall.
