Freedom 250 event on National Mall expected to resume after lengthy delay

Freedom 250, an organization aligned with the White House, organized the Washington celebration.

President Donald Trump is expected to deliver an address to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at 11 p.m. ET Saturday after an event at the National Mall was evacuated due to thunderstorms.

Attendees of the July 4 event were told to take shelter Saturday evening as severe thunderstorms moved into the Washington, D.C., region. Thousands of people were on hand to watch an air show, which was supposed to be followed by musical acts, a speech by President Donald Trump and a 40-minute fireworks show.

Nearly two hours after the delay began, officials announced that the air show would not resume. President Trump later said that he still plans to provide a speech, even if it's at 2 a.m.

Spectators were expected to be allowed to reenter the National Mall at 9:45 p.m. ET.

The big July 4 birthday party for the United States took place in Washington, D.C., as the country marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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The celebration comes as the National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Washington, D.C., through Saturday evening, with heat index values expected to reach 110 to 115 degrees.

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The heat forced the cancellation of D.C.'s Fourth of July parade, which had been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

People going to the National Mall for the afternoon and evening celebrations were encouraged to stay hydrated, take breaks in air-conditioned spaces when possible and avoid staying in the sun for extended periods.

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The Freedom 250 celebration was supposed to feature aerial demonstrations from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds, along with flyovers by military aircraft, including bombers and fighter jets. Organizers also planned a concert program with military bands, guest performers and tributes to U.S. service members, veterans and moments in American history.

Trump was scheduled to address the crowd shortly before a fireworks finale over the nation’s capital. Organizers say the fireworks show will last about 40 minutes and is intended to be the largest in history.

Freedom 250, an organization aligned with the White House, organized the Washington celebration. It is separate from America250, a bipartisan group founded by Congress to help commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.

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