National Christmas Tree Toppled By Winds Outside White House, Then Re-Erected

On Tuesday at approximately 5 PM, the decorated National Christmas Tree that had recently been planted just outside the White House toppled over during a robust gust of wind, according to a statement from National Park Service spokesperson Chelsea Sullivan.

The recently replanted fir tree had been adorned with lights and stood on the Ellipse just south of the executive mansion when it fell sideways amidst the blustering late fall weather that whipped through Washington D.C.

As Arctic air poured into the region, bringing some of the coolest temps felt in the area since early spring, winds frequently whipped up to and over 30 mph during the afternoon hours on Tuesday.

A top gust speed of 43 mph was recorded at Reagan National Airport in D.C. Sullivan shared that after evaluating the condition of the toppled tree and replacing a cable that had snapped during the fall, crews were able to upright the decorated plant once again by 6 PM.

The 25-foot tall fir tree was planted only 14 days prior to the incident. It was decorated with over 50,000 LED lights along with a shining star topper and ribbon bows.