Florida is bracing for what is being dubbed one of the worst hurricanes the state has ever seen — and it is already affecting the sports teams in the region.
The Southeast just made it through Hurricane Helene, and now Florida is once again getting set to feel the impact of Hurricane Milton. What started as a tropical storm has since strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane, leading to mass evacuations in the state.
With the NFL and college football seasons underway, as well as the NHL season officially starting this week, the storm is causing changes to the schedules across a number of leagues. Milton is aimed right at the Tampa Bay area, and it is expected to impact a majority of the state.
The Sporting News will provide the latest updates for the sports and teams affected by the storm, as well as the latest tracker for Hurricane Milton.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
This section will be updated as cancellations or rescheduling happens.
Buccaneers vs. Saints
The Bucs vs. Saints game in Week 6 isn’t expected to be impacted by Hurricane Milton, as the contest is scheduled to be played at Caesar SuperDome in New Orleans. However, Tampa Bay left for New Orleans earlier than normal, evacuating Florida on Tuesday morning to head to Louisiana.
In advance of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall, the Buccaneers will depart Tampa on Tuesday morning. The team will relocate operations to the New Orleans area for the remainder of the week leading up to Sunday’s game at the Saints. Media availabilities will be conducted…
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) October 7, 2024
Lightning vs. Hurricanes
The Lightning are set to open up their 2024-25 NHL season against — ironically — the Hurricanes. Like the Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay hockey club left for Raleigh earlier than expected, flying to North Carolina on Monday in preparation for the game on Friday.
The game itself is not expected to be impacted by Hurricane Milton, with the contest set to be played at PNC Arena in Raleigh.
the #Bolts flew to Raleigh yesterday and they will practice here ahead of their game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday
their practice today is scheduled to start at noon pic.twitter.com/dttdv9f0Yk
— Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) October 8, 2024
The Lightning had their final preseason game canceled due to the hurricane. An exhibition matchup against the Predators, which was originally moved from Sept. 27 to Oct. 7 due to Hurricane Helene, was canceled on Monday.
Tomorrow’s game vs. Nashville at @AmalieArena, originally rescheduled from Sep. 27 due to effects from Hurricane Helene, has been cancelled as the Tampa Bay region prepares for Hurricane Milton.
Info: https://t.co/Ng4E1l4yTp pic.twitter.com/r1I2W7wm4I
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 6, 2024
USF vs. Memphis
One of the first regular season games impacted by Hurricane Milton is the USF vs. Memphis college football contest. The matchup between the Bulls and the Tigers was originally scheduled for kickoff at night on Friday, Oct. 11, but it has since been postponed one day.
USF and Memphis will now play on Saturday, Ot. 12 at 3:30 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The USF-Memphis football game will not be played on Friday evening.
For now, it has been rescheduled for Saturday at 3:30pm.
We will assess the conditions & overall situation after the storm has passed to determine if any further adjustments are necessary.…
— USF Football (@USFFootball) October 8, 2024
The NBA regular season is not going to start until Oct. 22, so there should be no meaningful games impacted by Hurricanes Milton. However, the preseason already has seen some shuffling, as the exhibition matchup between the Heat and the Hawks was moved from Thursday, Oct. 10 to Wednesday, Oct. 16. The game is scheduled to be played at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Preseason schedule update for the @ATLHawks and @MiamiHEAT ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/CWxjwbASqc
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 8, 2024
The National Hurricane Center (NHC), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has an interactive map that updates with the latest information on the hurricane’s projected path.
Here is the latest path tracker:
National Hurricane Center
Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge. By entering your
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesAfter a solid start to his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Justin Fields' time as the starter could be coming to an end
The “Black and Blue Division’’ is back. It’s the gold standard of the NFL at the moment. The NFC North, nicknamed that in its golden-era
A rematch from last season's Super Bowl highlights the Week 7 NFL schedule as Patrick M