Riverhead Town’s fireworks show at South Jamesport Beach started around 8:55 p.m., moved up from its 9:30 p.m. start time after officials got word a severe thunderstorm was heading towards town.

But right as the show ended 20 minutes later, intense thunder, rain and wind battered the crowd gathered for the Independence Day celebration, Councilman Ken Rothwell said in a phone call.

“The show was awesome…the timing was right. But literally everybody was running from the beach to their cars,” Rothwell said.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on football quarterfinals, Michael Sicoli has a breakdown of the Long Island soccer playoffs and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off: Football and soccer playoffs, plus plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on football quarterfinals, Michael Sicoli has a breakdown of the Long Island soccer playoffs and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

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