How will NFL/NBA be affected by snow, storms and floods?
Storm Elliott, estimated to be 2,000 miles wide, has knocked out power across the country, with temperatures plummeting over the busy festive period.
Tens of thousands of sports fans and holiday travellers’ plans have been affected this weekend as a winter storm hits the US.
Road travel has been disrupted due to snow and crashes and authorities in Michigan, New York and Ohio have urged motorists to avoid nonessential travel.
Storm Elliott, estimated to be 2,000 miles wide, has knocked out power across the country, with temperatures plummeting over the busy festive period. Christmas travellers have been affected by airport delays as snow and sleet in the Pacific Northwest disrupted flights.
Freezing NFL conditions
Eight NFL games on Saturday are set for kickoff in temperatures below 40 degrees, far from ideal conditions. The good news, however, is that since 2000, league-wide scoring only drops less than two points per game in freezing temperatures. Passing and rushing numbers don’t move much either, according to a report produced by CBS Sports.
The coldest it will feel is in Cleveland, for Saints at Browns, with a very chilly 37 below. Bills play Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, where it will feel 21 below. East of Chicago, in Pittsburgh, Raiders take on Steelers, with similar temperatures expected.
On Thursday, the Bears announced fans going to Soldier Field will need to be prepared for the winter conditions on Christmas Eve.
“Winter storms can bring unpredictable factors that impact Chicago Bears’ home games and create unique challenges for fans to experience a game at Soldier Field,” the team said in a statement. “Inclement weather is forecasted across northern Illinois starting Thursday. With extreme temperatures and dangerous wind predictions, there are ways that fans can stay safe and show up for the players as they take on the Buffalo Bills this Saturday, December 24th.”
The Bears will be offering hot chocolate and coffee throughout the stadium and via in-seat vendors. There will also be warming stations for fans at the stadium.
Christmas Day NBA
Christmas Day is a big one in the NBA calendar. This year, there are five intriguing match-ups taking place for fans to enjoy.
Milwaukee Bucks travel to Boston in a repeat of the Eastern Conference semifinals last season where the Celtics prevailed after an epic seven-game series to advance to the East finals.