Storms With Lightning, Downpours Impact Fourth of July Plans

What to Know

Storms with lightning and heavy downpours threatened some Fourth of July plans
Storms fizzled out after 7 p.m. for most of the region, but showers could continue
The National Park Service says inclement weather could delay or cancel fireworks displays

Severe storms moved through the area on the Fourth of July, threatening some evening plans.

An announcement was made about 5:30 p.m. that the "Salute to America" program at the Lincoln Memorial was delayed due to severe weather. The band left the stage.

However, President Donald Trump, scheduled to speak during the celebration, said the show would go on as planned.

"Weather looking good, clearing rapidly and temperatures going down fast. See you in 45 minutes, 6:30 to 7:00 P.M. at Lincoln Memorial!" he said

He arrived at the Lincoln Memorial about 6:30 p.m.

People were evacuated from the West Front of the U.S. Capitol also because of the weather.

The Baby Trump Blimp — at the National Mall for a Code Pink protest — had to be deflated because of severe weather, but it was inflated again when the weather passed.

Several severe thunderstorm warnings were issued. The storms brought a lot of lightning and heavy downpours.

The storms started to fizzle out after 7 p.m. for most of the region, but showers continued.

Thursday has also been hot with temperatures in the low 90s and oppressive humidity.

If you hear thunder or see lightning, stay safe and head indoors quickly. People visiting the National Mall for the festivities can take shelter at the following buildings if there is severe weather:

Department of Agriculture building (1400 Independence Avenue SW)
Department of the Interior building (1849 C Street NW)
Herbert C. Hoover Building (1401 Constitution Avenue NW)
Internal Revenue Service building (1111 Constitution Avenue NW)
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2700 F Street NW)
Office of Personnel Management building (1900 E Street NW)
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW)
Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (1050 Independence Avenue SW)
Smithsonian Castle (1000 Jefferson Drive SW)
Smithsonian National Museum of American History (1300 Constitution Avenue NW)
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW)
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (950 Independence Avenue SW)
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (100 Raoul Wallenberg Sl. SW)

Rain chances will persist through Monday.