LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Planes, fireworks, and drones return to the sky on April 12, 2025, for Thunder Over Louisville.

The spectacle always draws large crowds, so first responders on both sides of the river started preparing months ago. That means this week's severe weather isn't throwing a wrench into any plans.

"These hiccups don't keep us out of the office and they don't keep us out of the field," LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said.

Local law enforcement says Thunder Over Louisville is an extremely complex event that requires all hands on deck.

"We have two states, four cities, and three counties throughout the area,"  Matt Creed, Thunder Over Louisville's Air Boss, said. "Everybody's going to be ready to go on the day."

Chief Humphrey hasn't shared the specifics for Louisville's game-plan yet. However, LMPD's 1st Division commander Bryan Edelen said the department is offering several overtime opportunities to officers to help increase visibility.

"Where people gather, we need to have police officers so that we can not only have a response, but a deterrent effect," Humphrey said.

There's a lot that goes into keeping everyone safe, and most of the plans don't adjust much between the years. As usual, there will be hundreds of first responders spread out in the water, on land, and in the sky.

"Louisville Fire and Rescue will be on the Ohio River in boats," Creed said. "Anchorage Middletown will probably have some of their boats in the water further down."

Indiana State Police (ISP) Sargent Carey Huls said there will also be undercover officers at the riverfront.

Huls said the biggest changes are often simple traffic issues.

"A lot of times it's just a simple matter of having construction on a road in one area that wasn't there the year before," Huls said. "Sometimes, a city can decide to change a street from one-way to two-way. It's those types of things."

ISP will have about 150 officers helping everyone navigate the construction and road closures at various intersections in Indiana. Huls asks everyone to pay attention to help things run smoothly.

In the days leading up to Thunder Over Louisville, the Jeffersonville Police Department is offering some safety tips on social media.

This includes familiarizing yourself with your surroundings and being aware of the Thunder services around you, including EMS, lost child stations, and general first aid.

If you're on the southern Indiana side of the river and see something suspicious or disruptive find a first responder or call Jeffersonville Police at 812-246-0357. If it's an emergency, call 911.

For the Thunder Over Louisville traffic plan, see the Jeffersonville Police Department or the Thunder Over Louisville Facebook pages.

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