Air Force Two carrying VP Harris forced to divert to Washington DC-area airport

Air Force Two carrying Vice President Kamala Harris was forced to divert to a Washington-area airport after encountering stormy weather Tuesday night, her office said.

The diversion came as the vice president was returning from a trip to Georgia, where she held a speaking event in Atlanta earlier in the day.

"Tonight, en route from Atlanta, GA, Air Force 2 was diverted from Joint Base Andrews to Dulles International Airport due to inclement weather," press secretary Kirsten Allen said in a statement.

Harris visited Atlanta to discuss voting rights and participate in a roundtable discussion with community members.

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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to hospitality workers of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 at the Culinary Workers Union Hall Local 226 on January 03, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

A person familiar with the diversion, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that the aircraft encountered wind shear as it approached a powerful storm that brought high winds and rain to Washington, D.C.

Wind shear is a sudden shift in wind direction or speed that can be hazardous during takeoff and landing.

Air Force Two is a C-32 that uses the distinctive call sign "Air Force Two," when carrying the Vice President of the United States. The plane is also used by the first lady and members of the Cabinet and Congress, according to the Air Force.

US Vice President Kamala Harris onboard Airforce Two, arrives at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport on May 12, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia.  (ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

In Atlanta on Tuesday, Harris called Georgia the "ground zero on the issue of the right to vote," FOX 5 Atlanta reported.

The vice president discussed gerrymandering districts, disputes to voting integrity and attacks or criticisms of election poll workers.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at The Gathering Spot on voting rights and the Biden administration's efforts to ensure ballot access for Americans, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Atlanta. After brief public remarks, Harris held a private round table with business, civic and non-profit leaders.  (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

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"We have seen attacks on election workers. Before I came into this room, I met with election workers who shared stories that are so troubling," Harris said at The Gathering Spot on Northyards Boulevard. "The attacks are clear, there is a full-on intent to attack freedoms and rights in our country."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.