Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 14, 2024 3:14 pm GMT
As Hurricane Helene swirls towards the Gulf Coast of Florida, concerns mount about its potential impact on weekend college football schedules. With the storm expected to intensify into a major hurricane, teams and fans alike are bracing for disruptions that could reshape the Week 5 landscape of college athletics.
Hurricane Helene’s Journey and Potential Impact
Hurricane Helene developed earlier this week in the Caribbean Sea and has already begun affecting various scheduled events across college football. The National Weather Service has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for portions of Florida, particularly the Big Bend area. Officials predict that Helene could make landfall late Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.
- Current Status: As of Wednesday evening, Helene was a Category 1 hurricane.
- Predicted Intensification: The storm is expected to strengthen as it approaches Florida’s coast.
For college football programs, this could mean significant changes to their game plans.
College Football Schedule Changes
Although the Florida Gators have a bye week, the Miami Hurricanes are due to host the Virginia Tech Hokies on Friday night. Florida State University (FSU) has its own hurdles, as it prepares to travel to Dallas for a matchup against Southern Methodist University (SMU). The storm’s effects could hinder FSU’s travel plans, prompting the athletic department to monitor the situation closely.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is set to host Colorado, but the travel plans for the Buffaloes have already been adjusted. Coach Deion Sanders decided to move travel up a day, citing the potential for delays if the storm strikes as predicted.
Rescheduled Events
As Helene’s path becomes clearer, various athletic events have already been rescheduled or postponed:
- FSU Volleyball: The match against Miami was moved up to 6 p.m. on Wednesday to avoid the worst of the storm.
- FSU Women’s Soccer: The Thursday game against Clemson has been rescheduled for Friday evening.
- Florida A&M vs. Alabama A&M: This game has been pushed to November 29 due to storm concerns.
Schools are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of players and fans, adjusting events to minimize risks associated with bad weather.
Impacts Beyond Florida
While Florida is bracing for the brunt of the hurricane, states to the north, particularly Georgia, are also keeping a close eye on Helene’s trajectory. Meteorologists predict that after making landfall, Helene could sweep into Georgia, affecting an array of events there as well.
- Metro Atlanta: Weather forecasts indicate that storms may build in the region ahead of Helene’s arrival, with closures and cancellations expected as a response.
- Charlotte Motor Speedway: In anticipation of the storm, the speedway has opened its campgrounds for evacuees seeking shelter.
Community and Safety Precautions
Football fans and local communities are encouraged to take the threat of Hurricane Helene seriously. Here are some helpful tips for preparing for the storm:
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest updates from weather services to know exactly when Helene might affect your area.
- Secure Your Home: Make sure all outdoor furniture and decorations are secured to avoid potential damage from high winds.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Gather essential supplies like food, water, medications, and first aid items in case of power outages.
By implementing these safety measures, residents can help mitigate the risks associated with severe weather.
Conclusion
Hurricane Helene is getting closer to Florida, and this is causing problems for college football. Important games are at risk, and teams have to deal with what the storm might bring. Fans should stay alert and focus on staying safe while looking forward to a fun week of college football. Make sure to check your local colleges for the latest news about game times and weather updates.
