Extreme heat and widespread outages have forced cancellations and delays of events marking the United States' 250th birthday, while officials and performers continue with modified programs.
Heat forecasts above 100°F have led to the cancellation of several parades and a delayed opening of the National Mall viewing area, while fireworks and aerial displays remain scheduled.
A lightning bolt struck a group of people in the ocean at Fort Myers Beach, Florida, killing a 51-year-old man and injuring three family members who were later hospitalized in stable condition.
Video footage captured on Independence Day showed a group wearing face masks and carrying Confederate and white-supremacist symbols while marching near Union Station and Eastern Market in Washington, D.C., chanting slogans against immigration.
The National Independence Day Parade in Washington was called off due to an extreme heat warning, while the evening fireworks display will still take place.
Reddit participants warned foreign travelers about various U.S. locations and activities that can pose safety risks or disappointing experiences, ranging from extreme heat to wildlife encounters and tourist-heavy areas.
Extreme heat led to the cancellation of the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, while officials prepared large-scale events in New York and Philadelphia despite safety and security concerns.
While Washington struggles with logistical and political issues for the 250th anniversary of the United States, towns across the country hold traditional Fourth of July events.
Organizers cancelled the July 4 parade in Washington D.C. after forecasting heat index values exceeding 100 degrees, citing participant and public safety.
More than 100 people received medical care, including about 45 hospitalizations, after a delayed Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive caused crowds to wait in extreme heat in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Severe weather on Friday left more than 264,000 customers in Southeast Michigan without electricity, prompting safety advisories from DTE Energy.
A boat carrying ten people capsized on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin during a storm on Friday, resulting in three child fatalities and seven rescues.
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