Events marking the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding are facing disruptions as storms and thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoon of July 4, local time, across the U.S. East Coast, which has been gripped by a heatwave.

CNN reported that the "Salute to America" event at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech and a large-scale fireworks display is planned, as well as the "Great American Expo" currently underway in the area, have been postponed until the severe weather passes.

Attendees were advised to leave the event grounds and seek shelter in nearby museums or government buildings as thunderstorms were forecast amid gusts of wind that picked up late in the afternoon.

A spokesperson for "Freedom 250," the event organizer, stated that the decision was made because the large crowds that had been waiting for a long time in the heat could be exposed to danger if storms and lightning occurred.

CNN also reported that the 250th anniversary fireworks celebration scheduled to be held in Boston has been postponed as rain clouds cover the U.S. East Coast.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)