The NFL made a controversial decision Friday on the location for the Buffalo Bills’ Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Buffalo is expected to have a severe winter storm hit during the game scheduled for early Sunday afternoon.
Reports came out Thursday that the league could move the contest to Cleveland. However, the NFL refuted the report. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday morning the NFL was monitoring weather conditions after the National Weather Service updated the expected conditions around Highmark Stadium for Sunday’s game. It might be too “difficult” or “impossible” for fans to travel to the game:
Heavy lake effect snow bands with gusty winds will occur east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Saturday through Sunday night. The snow bands will oscillate north to south, impacting the Buffalo and Watertown Metros. Travel will be difficult to near impossible within snow bands.
Schefter reported Friday afternoon that the Steelers and Bills were told the game was still scheduled in Buffalo on Sunday despite the gnarly forecast.
The league isn’t worried about the teams’ or fans’ safety in traveling to the game on Sunday. The league has reportedly made the same decision to roll with the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins Wild Card matchups in “dangerously cold” conditions Saturday instead of playing at the warmest period of the day.
Update: Governor declares emergency
Per a statement by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Hochul declared a State of Emergency in Western New York. Hochul is encouraging citizens to stay off roadways.
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