ATLANTA (AP) — The NBA has announced the postponement of the game between the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks scheduled for Saturday due to a winter storm that has battered the Atlanta area, causing hazardous icy conditions.
The league made the decision to prioritize the safety of players, fans, and staff amidst the severe weather situation in Atlanta. A rescheduled date for the game will be determined and communicated at a later time. The Rockets’ team had already arrived in Atlanta before the postponement was officially declared.
The winter storm unleashed a deluge of snow and ice across Atlanta on Friday, with roads expected to freeze over as the night progressed. The impact of the storm led to an increase in power outages, with reports of over 110,000 customers left without electricity, primarily in the Atlanta vicinity.
In a separate incident on Friday, four passengers sustained injuries when a Delta Air Lines aircraft bound for Minneapolis had to abort its takeoff from Atlanta. Delta spokesperson Morgan Durrant confirmed that the plane encountered an engine malfunction during the snowstorm period, which had already caused significant flight disruptions at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, known as the world’s busiest airport. At present, authorities have not linked the engine issue to the adverse weather conditions.
Following the incident, the 201 passengers, two pilots, and five flight attendants onboard the Boeing 757-300 were safely evacuated using inflatable slides and subsequently transported back to a concourse. Emergency services attended to the injured passengers, with one individual taken to a hospital for treatment while the remaining three received medical attention at the airport.
The situation in Atlanta remains challenging as the community grapples with the aftermath of the winter storm. The NBA’s decision to postpone the Rockets-Hawks game reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of all involved amidst the ongoing weather-related challenges in the region.
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