LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg hosted a press conference Saturday afternoon to update the city on the severe weather and flooding hitting the area.
Mayor Greenberg said the previous night had been relatively quiet with no water rescues required. Over the previous 24 hours, the Ohio River has risen over five feet, and Greenberg said it is expected to rise even higher over the next two to three days, with an expected crest similar to what the city saw in 2018.
Due to extensive flooding, KDF announced that this year’s Thunder Over Louisville has been canceled. The annual firework show planned for April 12, a week from the press conference, will not be possible as water is not expected to recede in time, according to officials.
Officials said rising water will prevent crews from having essential parts of the firework and air show, including barges and a center marker.
Thunder will not be rescheduled. A full schedule of Kentucky Derby Festival events outside of Thunder is still set to happen.
“It’s not like if we had to move the balloon release by a day or two. Given its magnitude, it’s impossible,” Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO Matt Gibson said.
Officials said Thunder makes up nearly half of the money generated by KDF.
More information for those who purchased tickets to the Festival’s Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party is forthcoming.
“Although we are saddened to hear Thunder Over Louisville won’t happen as scheduled this year, we understand the decision given the heavy rainfall and flooding across the area,” a spokesperson for the Louisville Bats said. “The Louisville Bats game against the Indianapolis Indians on Saturday, April 12 will still be played as scheduled at 2:05 p.m. Thunder ticket holders will be contacted, and more information will be available in the coming days.”
Watch the full press conference below:
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg is hosting a press conference to update the city on the severe weather and flooding hitting the area.
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