Only a week after the Rangers and Astros took up temporary residence at Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Harvey’s effects on Houston, the Rays are now preparing for Hurricane Irma to hit while they are out of town this weekend.
The Rays are preparing for Hurricane Irma to hit while they are traveling
With a scary forecast, the team is doing everything it can before they hit the road.
Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images
The team already bumped its planned departure from Wednesday to Thursday in order to allow everyone to spend more time preparing with their families, and according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the players are using it wisely to make as many contingency plans as possible.
That includes packing for extra days of travel in case they can’t return to Florida, and sending family out of town to either off-season homes or to the residences of other families just in case. For the things that can’t be taken with them, like cars, players are moving them to higher ground before the road trip.
Multiple players, including Evan Longoria and Steven Souza Jr., noted how Harvey is affecting their preparations and mindset. Longoria mentioned that without Harvey happening so recently, those in the path of Irma might not be taking it as seriously, while Souza admitted that “everybody is a little on edge” because of the damage they witnessed from Harvey.
For other staff who don’t travel, the Rays’ office will be shut down after Wednesday to let them have time to prepare for what might be coming as well.
The Rays have also reportedly discussed relocation with the league already, which is a concern for both them and the Marlins depending on Irma’s path. Tropicana Field is not classified as safe enough for a shelter but could serve as a staging area for emergency services after the storm.
The Marlins, also heading on a road trip starting Thursday, are allowing all families of staff and players to travel with them to Atlanta and Philadelphia.
With Irma currently classified as a Category 5 storm, advanced preparation can only do so much. Both organizations doing the best they can to mitigate damage is smart though, and being flexible for employees and players is the least they can do in the face of this storm.
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