In a significant change to the planned inaugural events, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, citing forecasts of dangerously cold weather. The decision to move the swearing-in indoors comes after months of meticulous planning for a grand outdoor ceremony stretching across the National Mall.

Intense Cold Weather Forces the Change

On his Truth Social platform, Trump addressed the weather concerns: “The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.”

The decision to shift the ceremony to the Rotunda was made in light of an impending Arctic blast, making it the coldest Inauguration Day since 1985. In fact, the last time the swearing-in ceremony was moved indoors was during President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration, when temperatures were similarly frigid.

Impact on Guests and Plans for Viewers

The Capitol Rotunda is prepared as a backup location for the event in case of inclement weather, but the shift indoors means that many ticketed guests will no longer be able to view the ceremony in person. Over 250,000 guests had been planned to attend, with tens of thousands more expected to gather around the Capitol or along the inaugural parade route.

To accommodate as many attendees as possible, alternate viewing locations have been arranged. Trump mentioned that some supporters would be able to watch the ceremony from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The arena, which can hold around 20,000 people, will host a modified inaugural parade after the swearing-in ceremony.

Other Inaugural Events Remain On Schedule

Trump reassured the public that other events, including a rally on Sunday and participation in three official inaugural balls on Monday night, would proceed as originally planned. The U.S. Secret Service, responsible for securing the inauguration, is adapting its security plans to reflect the changes in the event’s schedule and location.

Record-Cold Temperatures Expected

The National Weather Service predicts the temperature to be around 22°F (minus-6°C) at noon, during the swearing-in. This marks the coldest temperatures since Reagan’s second inauguration, which saw a record low of 7°F (minus-14°C). In comparison, Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration occurred with a relatively mild temperature of 28°F (minus-2°C).

Changes to the Ceremony and Viewing Options

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced that, at the request of the President-elect and his Inaugural Committee, the event would be moved inside the Capitol Rotunda. While the committee acknowledged the disappointment of those unable to attend in person, they recommended that attendees explore other indoor venues to watch the ceremony.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee is expected to designate official viewing locations and provide further details for the public.

A Historic Venue with a Troubled History

The Capitol Rotunda, a key part of the inauguration, holds significant historical importance. It was also one of the areas breached during the January 6, 2021, insurrection, when Trump supporters attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election results. This change of location places the ceremony in a space associated with both national history and recent turmoil.

Inaugural Traditions and Personal Touches

Earlier on Friday, Trump’s inaugural committee revealed that he would take the oath of office using two family Bibles, one given to him by his mother and the other the Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln during his first inauguration in 1861. Vice President-elect JD Vance will also take his oath on a family Bible passed down from his maternal great-grandmother.

Despite the changes to the location and plans, Trump’s inauguration remains a historic moment, marked by both tradition and adaptation to unforeseen challenges.

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An Arctic cold front sweeping across the U.S. this weekend is triggering powerful lake-effect snowstorms in states like Pennsylvania and New York while bringing freezing temperatures as far south as the Gulf Coast.

Winter Alerts in Effect

Lake-effect snow warnings and winter weather alerts have been issued for parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, with some extending through Monday evening. These warnings highlight the severe impact of the cold air interacting with the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, leading to intense snowfall.

Heavy Snowfall Forecast

Communities along the Great Lakes, including Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York, are bracing for significant snowfall. The heaviest accumulation is expected near Watertown, New York, with forecasts predicting 3 to 5 feet of snow. Other areas, such as Dunkirk, New York, could see over 3 feet of snow, while localized whiteout conditions will make travel extremely dangerous or impossible.

ABC News Illustration

Southern States Face Freezing Temperatures

The cold air mass is not limited to the northern states. Freeze alerts are in effect for over 13 million people across nine southern states, with temperatures dropping below freezing as far south as the Florida Panhandle.

Emergency Measures in New York

In response to the impending storm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for nearly a dozen counties in western New York. Hazardous road conditions, travel disruptions, and widespread power outages are anticipated.

Erie County, home to Buffalo, is expected to be one of the hardest-hit areas. County Executive Mark Poloncarz urged residents to stay off the roads. “This is going to be a serious storm, especially in the southern parts of Erie County,” he said. Towns like Eden, Evans, and Hamburg could see up to 4 feet of snow, while Buffalo itself is forecasted to receive only a few inches.

Dangerous Travel Conditions

Driving in the affected regions will be treacherous, with whiteout conditions reducing visibility to near zero. Portions of Interstate 90 near the Pennsylvania border have already been closed due to unsafe conditions.

“We’re talking about conditions where you can’t see anything while driving,” Poloncarz warned. “If you don’t have to travel, stay home. It’s not worth the risk.”

ABC News Illustration

Impact on Sunday’s Buffalo Bills Game

Fans attending the Buffalo Bills’ Sunday night game should prepare for a challenging experience. Snowfall totals at the stadium could reach 20 to 30 inches by game time, with wind chills in the teens. The team is working to clear the snow, but accessing the stadium will still be difficult.

Poloncarz remained optimistic, emphasizing the region’s resilience. “Western New Yorkers know how to handle snow. We’ll get through this if we’re careful.”

Key Takeaways

Residents in the affected areas should stay informed, limit travel, and prepare for hazardous conditions. As the storm continues to develop, caution and preparedness will be essential to navigate the challenges ahead.

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Top picture credit: ABC News Illustration

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