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Storms cause brief evacuation of Washington fireworks show (Roundup)
Jul 5, 2007, 4:19 GMT
Washington - Advancing thunderstorms and threats of tornadoes caused authorities to briefly evacuate thousands of people from downtown Washington a few hours ahead of annual Independence Day fireworks.
Authorities forced those gathered on the National Mall, a grassy area stretching 3 kilometres from the US Capitol past the White House to the Potomac River. It is lined by museums that are part of the Smithsonian Institution, government office buildings and major memorials.
Thousands of spectators, who gathered to celebrate the 231st anniversary of US independence from Britain, took shelter in 21 government buildings opened to shield them from the storm. Lines snaked around those buildings as guards conducted security checks on the spectators.
The crowds were allowed back on the Mall after a few hours, before the 9 pm fireworks, which took place on schedule without incident.
Americans typically mark the July 4 Independence Day with fireworks displays, picnics and family gatherings.
Wednesday's storms caused no damage in Washington but dropped widespread hail and toppled some tree limbs in outlying suburbs around the capital.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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