India, July 5 -- 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.

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, F...