As Americans celebrate 249 years of independence with fireworks and barbecues, many businesses will be closed for the day.

Government offices, post offices, courts, and schools are closed for the Fourth of July in the U.S. U.S. stock markets and banks are also closed, with limited FedEx and UPS services

In the weeks leading up to the holiday, Gary Souza and around 60 fellow pyrotechnicans are focused entirely on finalizing the 49th annual Macy’s show. But they are not strolling along the Brooklyn Bridge where it will take place, nor are they balancing aboard one of the four barges in the East River that will supply additional launch points.

Eight Rhode Island communities have planned their firework shows for July 3 this year. Here's how thunderstorms are impacting them.