Kim Klement – US Presswire
Jacksonville, Florida is taking no risks with regards to fan safety at this weekends’ game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators.
Although the storm itself is likely to stay off-shore, it’s believed that fringe storms sparked by Hurricane Sandy could cause heavy winds, even up to tropical storm caliber.
“We need our residents and our visitors to do one thing: Be prepared,” said Michael Jacobsen, director of Emergency Preparedness for the City of Jacksonville. ”Don’t take risks while tailgating, hitting the beaches or boating. We want everyone here for our great football weekend to have a safe weekend.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the areas of northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia until Sunday.
Because beach season has come to a close for the most part, lifeguard presence along the coast will be low. Rip currents from the storm will make it extremely dangerous to be in the water. Fans are encouraged not to go to the beach.
Fans are also being discouraged from using canopy tents during tailgating activities, as well as charcoal and lighter fluid. Projections on sustained winds look to be about 20-30 mph during game time. This does not include what will happen as far as wind gusts go.
Florida has dominated the series recently, but a three game winning streak was ended by Georgia with a 24-20 win last season. Florida is coming off an impressive win against the South Carolina Gamecocks, and if they win, will clinch the SEC East and represent the division in the SEC championship game.
Dan Irwin is a sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @ danirwin_rant or on Facebook at “facebook.com/danirwin.sports“.
