This weekend’s star-studded dedication of the brand new Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington D.C. has been postponed indefinitely over the expected impact of Hurricane Irene.

Word of the postponement first broke late Thursday night. Organizers had previously insisted the event would go on as scheduled despite the looming hurricane threat.

However, forecasts calling for torrential rain and dangerous winds ultimately made the decision an easy one. Washington D.C. could see up to five inches of rain and winds in excess of 60 mph during the brunt of the storm.

More than 250,000 people were expected to hop on buses and flights to Washington D.C. for the historic ceremony. Now, many are canceling travel plans and making storm preparations of their own.

Harry E. Johnson, president of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Foundation, said it was too soon to name a new date for the dedication, though it will likely be made up sometime in September or October.

Source: Washington Times