Founding Father John Adams once wrote that American independence should be celebrated with "illuminations from one end of this continent to the other"

E. coli or enterococci, which indicate fecal matter contaminating water, were detected at swim spots in New York state, Massachusetts, Michigan and elsewhere, authorities said.

Health officials issue warnings as bacteria and stormwater runoff contaminate beaches nationwide, closing popular swimming locations before the July 4th holiday.

Heading into the holiday weekend, 19 swimming spots in Vermont are under advisories for high cyanobacteria levels. Here's the full list. The following beaches and other swimming spots in Vermont are currently under bacteria alerts: Beaches can only become safe for swimming when their bacteria levels are back within the safe range,

Rain is in the forecast for much of the Fourth of July, but it isn't expected to impact the fireworks shows scheduled for Friday evening. Oklahoma City has a 30% chance or higher of precipitation until 6 p.m., while cities like Clinton, Lawton, Seymour and Vernon will remain near a 50% chance for much of the daylight hours.

Travel woes are likely for Fourth of July revelers with planned trips starting Thursday due to stormy weather.