Thunderstorm watches and warnings Sunday may have kept some people from participating in the Port Huron Float Down, but the event was still a go.
U.S. Authorities estimated that 5,500 participants entered the river at Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron, Michigan.
A large number of floaters did exit the water early, around 3:30 p.m., due to thunder and lightning.
Vessel traffic on the St. Clair River was restricted from the Blue Water Bridge to the upper end of Stag Island during the unsanctioned event.
(Aug 18, 2019. Floaters from across the U.S and Canada participated in the 2019 Port Huron Float Down. Photo by Luke Durda.)
The Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard, OPP, Sarnia police, RCMP, Sarnia Fire and Rescue Services and Point Edward Fire Department were all patrolling during the float down.
City police, the RCMP and Sarnia Transit all made trips across the Blue Water Bridge, to return many U.S. floaters home.
Sarnia police said no arrests were made and there were no medical issues reported on this side of the border.
