To avoid crowds at Smithsonian after the fireworks, try one of the alternate rail stations around the Mall. Saturday service hours are in affect on rail (2 a.m. closing time), but trains will stay in service longer, if necessary, to make sure event attendees get to their final destinations. Fares will remain free through the end of service – including any extended hours.

America, it's time to celebrate! At President Donald J. Trump's direction, gates to the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 PM. The Salute to America celebration will move forward, the President will deliver remarks at 11:00 PM, and the fireworks spectacular will follow. Rain or shine, the American people deserve a celebration worthy of our nation's historic 250th birthday. For 250 years, Americans have overcome every challenge with grit, resilience, and determination. A little rain will never diminish our pride, our patriotism, or our celebration of the greatest nation in the history of the world.

🚨 CHECKPOINTS CLOSED — SEEK SHELTER: Security screening on the National Mall has been suspended due to dangerous storms. If you are already on the grounds, follow directions from officers and event staff and move to shelter immediately. Do not shelter under trees. 🚨

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT FOR ANACOSTIA PARK FIREWORKS EVENT Due to severe weather in the area, visitors need to seek shelter. Please follow the directions of law enforcement and other event staff.

SEVERE WEATHER: A severe thunderstorm is occurring near the National Mall. Seek shelter immediately. Do not wait. Follow instructions from event staff and public safety officials on site.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the District until 7:00 PM today, July 4, with heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 50 MPH. Go inside a sturdy building or shelter. Pull over and park in a safe place if driving. Get weather updates: alert.dc.gov.

The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority. Freedom 250, United States Park Police, National Park Service, United States Secret Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all public safety partners are actively monitoring weather conditions. Freedom 250 will share updates on programming — please stay close to our official channels for updates. – Freedom 250 Spox Danielle Alvarez

Thunderstorms capable of bringing damaging wind, heavy rain and lightning are forecast to affect the District this afternoon (July 4). Know the difference between a weather Watch and a weather Warning to act quickly in a storm. 👀 Watch: Storms are possible. Prepare now and follow local weather news & AlertDC for more information. ⛈️ Warning: It is storming or about to storm! Move to a sturdy indoor shelter or pull your vehicle over to a safe place. Learn more about storm preparedness: ready.dc.gov. #dcwx #stormseason

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the District until 10:00 PM today, July 4. Heavy rain and high winds are possible. Take time to prepare. Visit ready.dc.gov for more.

With all the road closures, events, and crowds today — it's best to plan ahead how you'll get to your July 4 celebrations. • Fare-free Metro (both bus and rail) after 5PM: wmata.com • SoberRide Lyft code drops at 3 PM: wrap.org/soberride Happy Independence Day, DC!

A few simple precautions around fireworks this Fourth of July can keep a fun celebration from turning into an emergency. Take a moment to review these safety reminders before you light the fuse.

Thanks to the Barracks Row community for a special morning celebrating America’s 250th birthday! 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸

Beat the Heat, DC! Take care of yourself and your loved ones as the #heatwave continues. 💧 Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. 🏬 Take breaks in air conditioning - find free places to keep cool at heat.dc.gov. 🌇 Spend time outside when it's cooler, in the morning and the evening. 📞 Check on loved ones and neighbors. Learn more: heat.dc.gov

If you’re seeing this, this is your sign to drink water. As a heatwave continues to affect the District, remember to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July, DC. Find more heat safety tips: heat.dc.gov

Happy 4th of July! Celebrate America’s 250th! 🎆🎇🎆 Starting at 5 p.m., rail service will increase, and customers can enjoy free rides and parking across the system – until 2 a.m. tomorrow, July 5. Let’s celebrate together! Here’s everything you need to know: wmata.com/news/metro-announc…

Two local parades begin soon! 🇺🇸 ‌ 10AM: Barracks Row 11AM: Palisades ‌ Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and let's come together to celebrate America250 in our nation's capital.

Going downtown for July 4? Text DC250 to 888-777 for free event alerts from DC Government.

There is no better place to celebrate America’s 250th than right here in the nation’s capital. 🇺🇸 Today, DC HSEMA proudly joins the nation in marking this historic milestone. We wish all who call the District home and all who are celebrating with us a safe and happy Independence Day.

America's 250th birthday celebration is almost here, and tomorrow's fireworks over our nation's capital promise to be truly historic. As a designated National Special Security Event (NSSE), we are coordinating safety and security efforts alongside our partners to help ensure a safe and memorable celebration for everyone. For real-time event updates, public safety information, traffic impacts, and other important announcements, follow @Freedom250, @AlertDC, and @DCPoliceDept throughout the day.

[AlertDC] America’s Independence Day Parade in downtown DC (July 4, 10:30AM) has been CANCELED by organizers due to Extreme Heat Warning. Heat index 110-115F. Get heat safety info: Heat.DC.gov manager.everbridge.net/pub/2…