Washington Monument closed Sunday due to high winds

High winds prompted the closure of the Washington Monument on Sunday, but not because the monument is in danger of being damaged or is a danger to passersby.

The monument does not admit visitors during times of high winds, and Sunday's predicted peak wind gusts of 55 miles per hour met those guidelines.

“That’s correct. The Monument is not in any danger,” the National Mall and Memorial Parks branch of the National Park Service wrote on X about the closure. “But holding people in lines at the entry door in high wind conditions is against our operations policy.”

Because of its height, the monument has seen damage from other weather events in the past.

It was damaged in an earthquake in 2011, and in 2021, it was struck by lightning.

Strong winds can cause the observation deck to sway, making it unfit for guests during those times.