Strong winds toppled the National Christmas Tree outside the White House on Tuesday. (Fox News)
WASHINGTON - Strong wind gusts knocked over the National Christmas Tree in front of the White House Tuesday afternoon.
The 40-foot Norway spruce from West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest fell around 1 p.m. It had been planted just two weeks ago on the White House Ellipse.
The National Park Service says they replaced a snapped cable and were able to get the tree upright by 6 p.m.
PHOTOS: White House 2023 Christmas decor unveiled
This browser does not support the Video element.
Wind speeds reached as high at 46 mph at nearby Reagan National Airport Tuesday.
The lighting of the tree, an annual White House holiday tradition, was scheduled for Thursday.
There is no indication from the White House whether Tuesday's incident will delay the event.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony took place Tuesday.
This browser does not support the Video element.
2023 US Capitol Christmas Tree lighting
This year's tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce from the Greenbrier Ranger District in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest.