Buccaneers plan evacuation to New Orleans ahead of Hurricane Milton

The height of hurricane season has resulted in one NFL team adjusting game-week logistics. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will travel to New Orleans on Tuesday for their game against the New Orleans Saints five days later. Hurricane Milton strengthened to a major Category 5 storm Monday as it rolled across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida’s west coast. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for several counties Sunday. Tampa International Airport will suspend flight operations at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

With operations based in New Orleans for the week, the team was able to secure the necessary amount of hotel rooms for the stay, according to ESPN. 

Tampa Bay was originally scheduled to travel to New Orleans on Saturday. Coming off a Thursday night loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Buccaneers (3-2) have an extended layoff leading into the matchup against the Saints, who play the Kansas City Chiefs on “Monday Night Football.” 

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Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western Florida and the southeastern United States in late September. Milton’s winds have eclipsed 150 mph, and the area is bracing for more damage. 

According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the team will begin practicing on Wednesday at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium for their upcoming game in Week 6.