Main Washington July Fourth event evacuated over storm threat: AFP

A massive July Fourth celebration on Washington's National Mall was evacuated on Saturday, due to an approaching severe thunderstorm, AFP reporters said.

A few hours before President Donald Trump was due to deliver a campaign rally-style address to a crowd of tens of thousands, fierce wind gusts buffeted the sprawling grounds and lightning flashed nearby, prompting officials to order people to immediately seek shelter.

"For your safety directing all guests to immediately evacuate," officials announced, as most of the crowd started streaming toward exits to seek shelter in nearby museums and government buildings.

But chaos soon broke out as part of the crowd thought the site had quickly reopened. Some surged toward security checkpoints, shouting "charge!" and "Trump! Trump!"

Elsewhere, authorities were still trying to convince people to leave.

"When you have lightning less than three miles (5 km) away that's a mandatory evacuation," a Secret Service officer told one hesitant family. 

"Let's go! We are evacuating! Start moving!" another officer shouted.

A group of more than 100 people near the stage refused to leave, chanting "USA! USA! USA!" while a pair of B2 bombers that were part of an hours-long military flyover show streaked overhead.

Police blowing whistles soon descended on the holdouts, forcing them out of the area.

"A severe thunderstorm is occurring near the National Mall. Seek shelter immediately. Do not wait," the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management agency said on X.

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© Agence France-Presse