The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia on Saturday afternoon. This warning came ahead of President Donald Trump’s speech scheduled for the United States’s 250th Independence Day celebration. The warning was issued at 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time, indicating a significant threat to life or property, and is in effect until 10:00 p.m.
In response to the warning, Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez instructed attendees to evacuate the event grounds and seek temporary shelter in nearby buildings. The organizers stated they would provide updates on programming and reopening.
The warning follows a record-setting heat wave affecting the East Coast, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service noted that the approaching front could bring cooler temperatures but also strong thunderstorms with damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
The severe weather threatens to impact the day’s festivities, including Trump’s speech, which is set to begin around 10:00 p.m. The NWS also warned of the potential for flooding as storms may repeat throughout the weekend into early next week.