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NFL: New Orleans Saints Preseason Game Against Arizona Cardinals Canceled Due to Hurricane Ida

On Friday (August 27th) NFL team the New Orleans Saints announced they were officially canceling their third preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. The cancelation is due to Hurricane Ida set to hit within the next few days. 

“Due to the impending impact of Hurricane Ida, the Saints-Cardinals game has been canceled,” the NFL team shared on its Twitter account. 

In an official statement, the NFL team states that the cancellation request was made by Louisiana’s governor. John Bel Edwards asked for the cancellation due to the impending damage that Hurricane Ida will be making on the Gulf Coast region. The game was originally for 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 28th. The game was moved to the Caesars Superdome. The time was also for noon instead of 7 p.m.

“Due to the intensification of the hurricane throughout the day and after the most recent tropical update,” The NFL team declares. “The team’s leadership has made the decision in the best interests of all personnel that may have been directly and indirectly affected by the storm.”

The New Orleans Saints asks locals of the region to take measures to remain safe. The team will talk with NFL season ticket account holders regarding refunds and/or credits for their accounts.

NFL Cancels Saints-Cardinal Preseason Game After Hurricane Ida Is Predicting to be a Category 4 Storm

AP News reports that prior to NFL’s New Orleans Saints announcing their preseason game cancellation, National Weather Service’s Benjamin Schott, revealed the storm will be “life-altering” for those who are not prepared for it. 

The National Weather Service is predicting the storm will strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane. With top winds of 140 mph before making landfall along the Gulf Coast on Sunday. Louisiana’s Governor John Bell Edwards also urging residents to start preparing for the storm. “By nightfall tomorrow night, you need to be where you intend to be to ride out the storm.”

Officials also warn they are planning to close floodgates Saturday afternoon on two highways near New Orleans. However, officials already stated they have decided against evacuating New Orleans hospitals. 

New Orleans Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Collin Arnold, is expecting some severe damage. He also states being east of the storm track is not ideal. “We’re anticipating significant impacts including pronged power outages and significant street flooding.”

Officials also report that by the time it reaches land, Hurricane Ida may dump 8 to 16 inches of rain. The storm will move from Southeast LA to coastal Mississippi and Alabama through Monday morning. 

President Biden has already approved a federal emergency declaration for Louisiana. White House press secretary, Jen Psaki states that FEMA plans to send nearly 150 EMTs. Nearly 50 ambulances are also heading to Lousiana to assist.