What does Tropical Storm Zeta mean for Falcons vs. Panthers game Thursday in Charlotte?
A tropical storm warning is in place for Charlotte on Thursday ahead of the Carolina Panthers’ game against the Atlanta Falcons at 8:20 p.m. (FOX) at Bank of America Stadium.
The majority of the rain was originally expected to subside prior to 5 p.m., but the storm warning (tropical storm statement) has since been extended through 10:45 p.m., per the National Weather Service.
After a rainy, windy Thursday morning in Charlotte, there are plenty of blue skies this evening. However, there is still a high chance for rain throughout the night.
At kickoff, there is a 43% chance of rain with an expected temperature of 74 degrees, according to the AccuWeather forecast for the stadium. There’s a 50% chance of showers before 2 a.m.
Rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch are expected and power outages from high winds have already been reported.
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As of Thursday evening, conditions are not expected to have much of an influence on the Panthers game. The grass field had a tarp on it for much of the day.
Wind could be an issue, however. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph, which could impact kicking and the direction the ball goes in.
The last time the Panthers played on Thursday night, Sept. 12, 2019, the game against the Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium was delayed for 27 minutes due to lightning and severe rain.
Thursday is the Panthers’ only primetime game of the season scheduled. The Panthers (3-4) beat the Falcons (1-6) earlier this season in Atlanta, 23-16.
This story was originally published October 29, 2020 at 9:58 AM.
