Severe Weather Causes Evacuation Of National Mall Before Fireworks Show

Wednesday, July 4th 2007, 5:26 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Severe weather and a tornado warning prompted authorities to evacuate thousands of people gathered at the National Mall on Wednesday for a holiday concert and a fireworks show.

Police asked tens of thousand of people to leave the mall and go into nearby buildings as the sky turned dark and winds picked up.

Families packed their picnic gear and streamed off the grassy area that was to host a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and fireworks viewing a few hours later.

Authorities said the evening's activities would continue as planned, and expected the crowds to be allowed back at about 7:30 p.m.