Boston Fireworks Show Cut Early Due to Storms, Area Evacuated

Attendees of Boston's annual Independence Day events on Thursday night were asked to leave the area a bit early following a shortened fireworks display due to severe weather conditions, city officials announced. 

Officials made the call Thursday to hold the fireworks display at about a half hour earlier than originally scheduled, according to CBS Boston, in an effort to beat out the storms that were expected to pass through. 

Thursday's show was rescheduled from Friday due to a hazardous weather forecast this weekend as Hurricane Arthur, which reached Category 2 strength Thursday, makes its way up along the east coast. 

A Hazardous Weather Outlook, issued Thursday by the National Weather Service, called for scattered thunderstorms in the area through the evening with strong wind gusts and even small hail possible. As storms moved in, officials opened the Boston Common garage and Hynes Convention Center garage for people to shelter in place during the worst of the storms. 

Were you at the Esplanade during Thursday's show and wild weather? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.