RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolinians are celebrating Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary under dangerous heat conditions across much of the state.
From parades and festivals to fireworks shows and community gatherings, thousands are expected to take part in Fourth of July events throughout the Triangle and beyond. At the same time, extreme heat warnings and heat advisories remain in effect across central North Carolina, with heat index values climbing into the triple digits.
Follow along throughout the day as ABC11 tracks America 250 events, traffic, fireworks displays and the ongoing heat wave.
President Donald Trump is speaking at the July Fourth celebrations in Washington, D.C., marking America's 250th birthday -- hours after the event was evacuated because of weather conditions Saturday evening.
The president took stage shortly after 11:15 p.m. ET, after the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" celebration was delayed by several hours.
After the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" event in Washington, D.C., was delayed Saturday night amid thunderstorms, Freedom 250 officials announced that the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 p.m. ET "at President Donald J. Trump's direction."
Trump will deliver remarks at 11 p.m. ET, followed by fireworks, organizers said.
Crowds gathered at Festival Park in Fayetteville on Friday night for the city's annual Independence Concert. Families enjoyed live music and holiday festivities as part of the Fourth of July celebration before fireworks lit up the sky, marking the end of the evening's festivities.
The fireworks show is now underway at Brier Creek Commons in Raleigh, where crowds gathered for the annual Star-Spangled Block Party.
Families spent the evening enjoying live music, giveaways and activities near the clock tower before the choreographed fireworks display began after dark.
People are continuing to stream into Dix Park as Raleigh's annual Fourth of July celebration gets underway. Families and groups are spreading out across the park ahead of the night's main event. The fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
