NFL
What NFL games could Hurricane Helene affect in Week 4?
The Cat. 4 cyclone is expected to impact the US southeast with powerful gusts, heavy rain, and dangerous storm surges as it moves toward the Big Bend.
NFL teams from Tampa, Atlanta, Miami, and Charlotte are closely monitoring the situation in the Gulf of Mexico tonight as Hurricane Helen rapidly approaches the Florida coast. Currently a Category 1 storm, Helen is expected to intensify into a Category 2 overnight and could develop into a powerful Category 4 hurricane before landfall tomorrow night.
Helen is forecast to bring catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding, even to inland areas. As of tonight, the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia have declared states of emergency in preparation for the storm’s impact. Evacuations are underway in over a dozen Florida counties, with residents sandbagging their homes and businesses to protect against the impending storm surge.
The storm will continue over the weekend, potentially stalling over Tennessee and Kentucky. While the heaviest rain is expected to remain to the south, parts of the southeastern U.S. could experience showers and high winds through Sunday, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph by Friday.
With the upcoming Week 4 NFL games, especially those in the hurricane-affected region, there may be organizational hazards this weekend.
Which Week 4 games will be affected?
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Raymond James Stadium
The game is set to kick off at 1 p.m. this Sunday, and the hurricane is expected to have passed by then. Both coaches have not indicated the possibility of postponing or relocating the game. In 2021, the New Orleans Saints opening game was moved to Jacksonville, Fla., due to the impact of Hurricane Ida.
There is still a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the Tampa region on Sundays, so it could end up being a wet game regardless.
For travel arrangements, it’s good to know that Delta, American, JetBlue, Spirit, Alaska, Southwest, Frontier, and United Airlines allow travelers to rebook flights to Tampa, Orlando, Cancun, and other affected cities without fees. Ticket holders may still need to sell their tickets on the secondary market.
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Hurricane Helene, with sustained winds of 111-129 mph, is currently on track to hit the Big Bend of Florida on Thursday afternoon as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm surge is expected to be consequential, and residents in the area have been advised to evacuate. By Friday morning, the hurricane is expected to weaken to a tropical storm as it moves to Atlanta, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
The game scheduled to be played in the Mercedes-Benz dome should proceed as planned. The storm is projected to have moved out of the region by then. However, travel plans to the game in Tampa Bay could be significantly impacted by the hurricane’s aftermath.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Carolina Panthers @ Bank of America Stadium
The storm is bringing heavy rain to western North Carolina, causing flooding. The rain will continue and intensify, posing a threat to travel. Flood waters may sweep vehicles off roads and cause road washouts.
Based on the storm’s current projected path, Charlotte is expected to be spared from its full impact. However, it is important to know that if the hurricane’s trajectory changes after it reaches land, this game could be affected.
Tennessee Titans vs. Mimi Dolphins @ Hard Rock Stadium
It looks like Miami will be spared from the worst impact of the Category 4 storm.
Additionally, the game between the Dolphins and the Titans is scheduled for Monday, so there is a small chance that the game will be canceled or rescheduled.