Tampa Bay Buccaneers move practice to Miami amid Hurricane Ian concerns

CNN
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In anticipation of the potential impact of Hurricane Ian, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are relocating their football operations to Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Early Tuesday morning, Hurricane Ian upgraded to a Category 3 storm as it neared landfall in western Cuba en route to Florida. It strengthened rapidly on Monday and will likely continue to gain in intensity as it moves into Cuba on Tuesday morning, forecasters said.

Starting Wednesday, the Bucs are expected to practice at the Miami Dolphins’ Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens before their game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

There are currently no changes to the game, which is scheduled to take place at 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

« The NFL, in consultation with the team and local officials, will continue to monitor the situation, » a statement on the team’s website said.

The Dolphins have a game in Cincinnati on Thursday, which means their practice facilities are available starting Wednesday.

Hurricane Ian is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge along much of Florida’s west coast by mid-week, along with hurricane-force winds.

Although its exact path remains uncertain, projections show the Tampa area could receive its first direct hit from a hurricane since 1921.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has warned of power outages as well as possible evacuations and fuel shortages, telling people to « prepare now. »

Along Florida’s west coast, authorities are urging residents to take shelter instead of staying to protect their property.

“There is nothing to disturb. If you can leave, leave now,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said Monday.