Winter Storm Fern Disrupts Football and Basketball Games Around the Country

Over the weekend, a significant winter storm named Winter Storm Fern traversed a substantial portion of the United States. This storm deposited considerable amounts of snow and ice across at least 34 states, stretching from the South and Midwest all the way to the Northeast. In numerous locations, accumulations exceeded a foot of snow. The hazardous conditions resulted in unsafe travel, widespread power outages, and numerous flight cancellations.

In light of the dangerous road conditions, many schools and businesses opted to close, and meteorological authorities urged individuals to remain indoors. Additionally, Fern introduced extremely low temperatures in various regions, causing the wind chill to make it feel even colder than the actual air temperature.

How Snow Affects Football Games

In numerous states, professional football is often played outdoors, which means that snowfall can convert the playing field into a slippery and challenging environment. Accumulated snow on the ground can obscure the yard lines that assist players and officials in maintaining their positions on the field. Furthermore, the snow can render the football slick and difficult to grasp securely.

As snow accumulates heavily, teams frequently alter their strategies to adapt to the conditions. Passing becomes problematic due to the slippery nature of the ball, which increases the likelihood for receivers and defenders to lose their footing. Consequently, teams often opt to run the ball more frequently, as it tends to be easier to secure and advance down the field.

A Snowy AFC Championship Game

During this weekend’s AFC Championship Game, featuring the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos, heavy snowfall commenced midway through the third quarter. Initially, the field remained clear, but as the snow persisted, the vibrant green grass was gradually blanketed under a layer of white.

Once the snowy conditions settled in, both teams adjusted their game plans. They prioritized running plays over passing, as the slippery footing proved challenging. Notably, during a single play, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and running back Rhamondre Stevenson both stumbled on the snow-covered field. Such instances illustrate how even elite athletes can struggle to maintain balance in such conditions. While the Patriots ultimately secured the victory, the snowy environment complicated ball movement and significantly influenced the offensive strategies employed by both teams.

How Snow Affected Basketball Games

Although basketball games are typically conducted indoors within arenas, snowfall still disrupted activities this weekend. In Memphis, the anticipated matchup between the Grizzlies and the Nuggets was called off due to treacherous travel conditions. Similarly, the Mavericks-Bucks game in Dallas was also canceled as teams faced challenges in safely flying or driving to the venue. These cancellations were prompted by the storm's impact on roadways and airports, rather than the presence of snow on the basketball court.

When It Comes to Sports, Snow Is No Joke!

While snow can provide an element of fun, a significant storm like Winter Storm Fern underscores the profound impact that weather can have on daily life. Snow can alter the nature of outdoor sporting events, while also creating obstacles for indoor competitions if teams are unable to reach their destinations. Such weather phenomena remind us all of the substantial influence that nature wields in the realm of sports and in our everyday lives.