LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) -- The countdown is coming to a close for Thunder Over Louisville. Last minute preps are being put in place from the waterfront to traffic changes, boating restrictions and security in the downtown area.
In Louisville, we enjoy the largest fireworks show in North America right along the Ohio River and most of the time, it's boaters who have the best seat in the house, but this year that won't be the case.
A large portion of the river will be closed sometime on Friday and most of Saturday.
A portion of the river that boaters will have to avoid in 2018 is between the McAlpine Locks and Dam and Duffy's Landing. That area will be closed to boaters from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and again from 11 a.m. until the end of Thunder. Officials said this is because of fast-rising waters, rapid moving currents and excessive debris.
For those of you on land, the plan is pretty much the same. Because of rising waters, fewer people will be allowed on the Great Lawn.
Also, the Health Department will be adding new signage to help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A. They've also asked food vendors to have their workers vaccinated before Thunder.
“We've worked with the Kentucky Derby Festival this year to make sure we're focusing on handwashing opportunities as you know there's a Hep A outbreak in the community so we've focused our attention with the Derby Festival to make sure handwashing facilities are available and readily available,” Matt Rhodes, with the Louisville Metro Police Department, said.
The Louisville Emergency Notification System will have a new Derby feature. All you have to do is text DERBY to 67283 and you'll be signed up for any emergency notification that may occur during Thunder.
As always, there will be a lot of road closures associated with Thunder. Click for everything you need to know for Thunder including road closures.
EDITOR'S NOTE: On Wednesday the Coast Guard established the boating safety zone was from McAlpine Lock and Dam to Cox Park/6 Mile Island but on Thursday the Coast Guard issued a statement saying the safety zone was from McAlpine Lock and Dam to Cox Park/Duffy’s Landing. This story was updated to reflect the change.
