Severe weather prompted federal officials to issue an evacuation alert Saturday evening as thousands gathered on the National Mall for Freedom 250 celebrations in Washington DC, the Great American State Fair and the annual Salute to America fireworks display.
Why the evacuation alert was issued
The National Park Service issued a weather evacuation alert around 7:15pm, asking fireworks visitors to seek shelter and follow directions from park rangers, law enforcement personnel and other event staff, as per WUSA 9. “Due to the severe weather in the area, we are asking visitors to seek shelter,” the agency said in a social media post. “Please follow the directions of the Park Rangers, law enforcement personnel, or other event staff.”
About 20 minutes later, Freedom 250 organizers escalated the alert, telling attendees to immediately evacuate event grounds 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 approaching severe storms, Freedom 250, United States Secret Service, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all public safety partners are asking all guests to evacuate event grounds and seek temporary shelter in a nearby building.”
The alert came as thunderstorms moved through the Washington area.
