Hurricane Milton Forces Cancellations Across Sports Events in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Concerns over Hurricane Milton and its implications for the state of Florida have led to the cancellation of numerous sporting events, including an NBA preseason game scheduled for Friday. The Orlando Magic‘s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans will not be rescheduled, according to an announcement by the NBA on Wednesday.

With the hurricane making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday night, the decision was made to prioritize safety over the previously scheduled events. The Orlando Magic were playing in San Antonio on Wednesday and were expected to return to central Florida on Thursday. However, the team will now stay an extra day in San Antonio due to travel disruptions caused by the storm.

This game is the second NBA preseason matchup affected by Hurricane Milton. A separate game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks, initially slated for Thursday in Miami, has been postponed to October 16 owing to similar concerns.

In addition to the NBA, the NHL has also experienced scheduling conflicts. A preseason game in Tampa between the Lightning and the Predators was rescheduled from Friday to an earlier date due to the threat posed by Hurricane Helene, only to face the same threat from Hurricane Milton.

Former Lightning star, now with Nashville, expressed his concern via social media. “Stay safe Florida! Thinking about all the amazing people in the Tampa area right now,” he posted, reflecting the shared sentiment of caution and goodwill towards those affected.

The NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars have adjusted their travel itinerary as well, delaying their departure for London from Jacksonville until later Thursday evening. The team is set to face the Buffalo Bills at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday.

The storm has also impacted educational institutions, with countless college and high school sports events either canceled or postponed. However, two exhibitions featuring Simone Biles and other Olympic gymnasts as part of the “Gold Over America Tour” are still slated to proceed in Sunrise and Orlando over the weekend.

Authorities are keeping a close eye on the storm’s progression with more updates anticipated. Additional information provided by ESPN contributors Michael C. Wright, Michael DiRocco, and The Associated Press helped in detailing the widespread effects of Hurricane Milton across Florida.