Something worth keeping an eye on as the NFL Week 1 games inch closer is some severe weather potentially hitting Cleveland in the lead up to the Browns’ season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
An NFL spokesperson released this statement (h/t CBS 19 in Cleveland) as it pertains league policy regarding any potential weather issues.
“As is our standard procedure, we are monitoring the forecast and will stay in close communication with the weather service and both clubs. As per NFL policy, in the case of inclement weather, specifically lightning, the referee has the authority to determine when it is appropriate to suspend play and clear the teams from the field. The NFL Game Day Operations Center is in constant communication with the referee and the on-site NFL Football Operations representative in order to communicate forecasts and severe weather warnings. These forecasts and warnings are issued by a third-party meteorological service specifically contracted to monitor inclement weather that could affect NFL games.”
The exact weather being discussed is the remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon and could be on course to hit Cleveland at game time.
A local meteorologist even said that he has never “seen a worse weather forecast for a Browns game” in nearly 16 years.
“I have not seen a worse weather forecast for a Browns game in the almost 16 years I have been here and that includes snow events. I have no idea how they will be able to play football or how people will be able to sit in that stadium and watch a game,” Jeff Tanchak said.
It’s certainly something to keep an eye on as the full slate of Week 1 NFL games continue on Sunday.