USA: Wind knocks down National Christmas Tree in Washington

11/29/2023, 7:37:19 AM

Highlights: Twelve-metre-high National Christmas Tree toppled in Washington, D.C. Wind gusts reached a speed of around 60 kilometers per hour on Tuesday. Tree is located in Ellipse Park between the White House and the Washington Monument. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill actually want to officially light up the traditional tree. Turning on the lights has been a tradition in the U.S. capital for decades. The tree was lit for the first time in 1923 by Calvin Coolidge.

It's stormy in Washington, D.C.: This also has consequences for the traditional Christmas tree near the official residence of the US president. He fell over before he could be officially illuminated.

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Fallen Christmas tree in Washington: A crane lifts the twelve-meter-high tree again

Photo: AP

Icy winds have a firm grip on the U.S. capital Washington – and toppled the National Christmas Tree. Late Tuesday afternoon, the huge tree was lying on its side, some lights were still on, as seen in pictures. A crane towered over the Christmas tree and lifted it up again.

The twelve-metre-high tree is only a few metres away from the White House – on Thursday, US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill actually want to officially light up the traditional tree. In Washington, D.C., wind gusts reached a speed of around 60 kilometers per hour on Tuesday.

The illuminated tree is located in Ellipse Park between the White House and the Washington Monument. President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree for the first time in 1923. Turning on the lights has been a tradition in the U.S. capital for decades.

wit/dpa