Some prime seating for Thunder Over Louisville currently underwater due to Ohio River levels

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- River levels in downtown Louisville are still high and flooding areas near Waterfront Park just days before Thunder Over Louisville.

Some prime seating for Thunder Over Louisville and the air show is currently underwater as the Ohio River has risen into Waterfront Park.

"A lot of flooding," said Judy Piece, who moved back to Louisville last week after 40 years away just in time for the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Pierce plans to walk down to Waterfront Park on Saturday and find a spot to watch the show. But she and others could have fewer options this year with the river encroaching on prime viewing locations.

"There will be people that can come right up the water's edge but as you can see a big portion of the wharf is under water where people normally like to hang out and watch the air show and the fireworks," Deborah Bilitski, executive director of Waterfront Park said. "That area will not be accessible."

River levels in Downtown Louisville are still high and are forecasted to climb through Wednesday evening. As of now, this is expected to recede by Friday and Saturday for Thunder. Worth keeping an eye on with more rain Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/3ZMzVCc0D5
— Bryce Jones (@BryceJonesWx) April 15, 2024

WDRB Meteorologist Bryce Jones said river levels are forecasted to climb through Wednesday evening. But the river is expected to recede by Friday and Saturday, depending on rain this week.

Now sticks and debris line the banks. There are benches and trash cans underwater. Some seating area has been shrunk by up to 60 feet.

The Belle of Louisville has to stay docked until the water recedes and the current slows.

GREAT LAWN FLOODING — The Ohio River near Waterfront Park in Louisville, Ky. on April 15, 2024.

The command center for Thunder Over Louisville is at the top of the Galt House, which has a full view of all the action and the Ohio River.

"We got to keep an eye on it cause it can alter our whole flight afternoon because of safety issues," Wayne Hettinger, Thunder Over Louisville's lead producer, said.

If the water gets too high, it will be dubbed a flat show because acrobatics will be called off and divers can't be in the water.

"With everything there is always an A, B and C plan so all of them stay active right up until Friday afternoon," Hettinger said.

Fencing is already up, along with additional cell towers around the area. Pierce is ready for a show regardless of where she sits.

"It's just exciting, starting off Derby week, it's a Louisville thing," Pierce said. "It's great to be back here and experience all the events."

According to the KDF website, the show has become the region’s largest annual event, attracting a regional and even national audience. The air show was slowly added as a way to stagger the crowd entering the event and provide entertainment before the 9:30 p.m. fireworks portion.

IMAGES | Fireworks light up the sky at Thunder Over Louisville 2023

The air show is now an event of its own and ranks in the top 5 air shows in the nation.

The event provides an estimated impact of $56 million to the area’s economy. For more information on Thunder Over Louisville's history, click here. WDRB personalities will be on both sides of the Ohio River bringing viewers all the people, planes and fireworks.

The full day of broadcasting will be on our WDRB.com website, the WDRB News app, the WDRB+ TV anywhere app for your phone, and the WDRB+ streaming app on your Fire, Apple or Roku TV.

Learn more about Thunder on the Kentucky Derby Festival website, click here.

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