National Christmas Tree Knocked Down by Strong Winds in Washington D.C.

On Tuesday afternoon, a powerful gust of wind knocked over the National Christmas Tree at President's Park in Washington, D.C., just days before the annual lighting ceremony. Despite the setback, the National Park Service and event partners are determined to ensure a successful event. A crane was swiftly deployed to lift the adorned tree, and by 6 p.m., it was back in an upright position after an evaluation of its condition and a cable replacement. Forecasted winds of up to 20 miles per hour heightened the risk of such incidents. Interestingly, this isn't the first time the emblematic tree succumbed to gusts, as a similar incident occurred in 2011. Furthermore, this year's tree had already been replaced once due to a fungus issue, a common challenge for Christmas trees. The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony tradition dates back to 1923 and is highly anticipated. President Biden, the first lady, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the second gentleman are expected to attend this year's tree lighting on Nov. 30, with CBS broadcasting the event on Dec. 15. This setback serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination to uphold cherished traditions, even in the face of adversity.