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Celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence kicked into full gear on Saturday, with parades, historical re-enactments and music at events in small towns and big cities from coast-to-coast.

Though it was muggy and miserably hot in many parts of the country, the day was marked with the usual American exuberance, with fighter jets, tall ships, parachutists and flag-festooned pick-up trucks.

The U.S. Secret Service said in a statement that it has suspended checkpoint operations on the National Mall because of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. People already within the secure area are being directed to shelter locations by Secret Service agents and the U.S. Park Police, the statement said. “No one is being admitted at this time,” it said. “This action was taken solely in the interest of public safety, and we have no estimate for when screening may resume.”Fearing severe weather, federal and local officials are scrambling to safely evacuate thousands of people from the National Mall and into nearby Smithsonian museums and federal buildings, according to multiple officials.

It is a chaotic scene on the National Mall, as several hundred people refuse to leave despite an order to evacuate because of severe storms approaching. Some are even arguing with Secret Service agents. An officer is sternly repeating the evacuation order over a bullhorn, and the crowd is booing. Many have begun chanting “U.S.A., U.S.A.” One man blamed the situation on “liberals in the weather service,” adding, “I think this is baloney.”

The air show at the National Mall has not stopped amid evacuation orders. Air Force One just flew over, followed by two B-2 stealth bombers.

Crowds were standing still and cheering as they passed. Now, Secret Service officers are making their way down the mall, yelling at people to make their way out.

“A lot of my family are veterans, and many lost their lives for this country. I’m trying to celebrate this 250 like they’re still here.”

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There is plenty of of confusion on Constitution Avenue and 9th Street here in Washington, D.C. because of the threat of inclement weather: Just after 7 p.m., law enforcement officials on hand forcefully — and without further explanation — began imploring people to walk north toward Pennsylvania Avenue away from the National Mall, where scores have been waiting in the hot sun all afternoon for the president’s speech and a promised fireworks show. Families searched for answers as children wondered aloud if the fireworks had been cancelled.

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Celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States

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