Thunderstorm Cuts Short Night in Venice Parade

A brief but powerful thunderstorm on Saturday evening ended Ocean City's annual Night in Venice parade before all boats completed the parade route.

The entire lineup of about 50 boats had passed the lagoons at 17th Street by shortly after 7:30 p.m. when a fast-moving storm reached Ocean City. The parade started at 6 p.m. at the Ocean City-Longport Bridge.

The storm included heavy rain, lightning and winds strong enough to flatten road signs on the Route 52 causeway between Ocean City and Somers Point.

A limited number of homes in Ocean City — including those near 10th Street and Bay Avenue — lost power during the storm.

Homes on Sunny Harbor Lagoon and South Harbor Lagoon between 18th and 23rd streets saw only portions of the parade as participating boats headed for safe harbor during the storm.

The storm cleared by shortly after 8 p.m., and the police and fire departments reported no incidents of boats in distress.

Check back tonight for photos and contest winners from the parade.