ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – Fourth of July celebrations across Central Florida are preparing for the possibility of heavy rain during fireworks displays.
A stalled front across north Florida will keep rain chances at 70–80% on Thursday and Friday. Although the storms aren’t expected to be severe, a few stronger ones could bring gusty winds up to 45 mph, frequent lightning and heavy downpours.
On Thursday, around 200,000 people are expected to attend Red Hot & Boom, which the City of Altamonte Springs said is Florida’s largest Independence Day event.
As workers have been making final preparations at Cranes Roost Park, City Manager Frank Martz said the show would go on regardless of the weather.
“We’re ready rain or shine. We just want people to take a look at the weather before they come,” Martz said. “If we have rain early, usually it gets very, very dense with people here coming in late to see the show.”
Several other Independence Day celebrations are happening throughout Central Florida on Thursday, including Mount Dora, Baldwin Park and Port Canaveral.
No fireworks displays have been delayed or canceled, but the City of Tavares announced its Fourth of July parade was canceled because of the expected rain.
“Unfortunately, due to the weather forecast, the city made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s parade,” a social media post stated. “Good news: the entertainment and fireworks are still on! Stop by Wooton Park Friday evening for a spectacular celebration!”
In Altamonte Springs, there are several road closures and traffic delays are expected around Cranes Roost Park until early Friday.
For more details about Red Hot and Boom, click here.