NCAA preparing for inclement weather Sunday

With basketball tournament games scheduled Sunday, NCAA officials are monitoring the winter storm that’s heading into Southwest Ohio.

NCAA released a statement Friday night regarding the potential for significant snowfall.

With two games scheduled that day at the University of Dayton Arena, no delays are anticipated.

The latest forecast from Storm Center 7 indicates no travel problems during the day on Sunday, but at least 1 to 2 inches of snow could accumulate through the evening.

“With games at UD Arena scheduled for 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Sunday I expect minimal impact with the snow coming in,” Storm Center 7 Chief Meteorologist Jamie Simpson said. The second game should let out of the arena by around 5:00 p.m. and the most significant impact from the snow will likely arrive one to two hours after that time, according to Simpson.

By Monday morning, 4 to 8 inches of snow is expected northwest of Dayton and 3 to 6 inches southeast of the city, according to Chief Meteorologist Jamie Simpson. Another inch could fall during the day Monday.

Statement from the NCAA:

“We are monitoring the weather situation on the ground and in our tournament control center and are fully prepared. We do not anticipate any game delays. Prior to the tournament, all venues submit emergency management plans to the NCAA national office for review. During the tournament, NCAA onsite coordinators are in regular contact with facility management at every venue to manage any situation that may arise. In Dayton, all of the teams and officials are already on site. We are exploring extending their hotel stays if their travel is delayed after the games because of inclement weather. This region routinely has winter snow and has the appropriate equipment and procedures to manage these winter conditions. We encourage fans planning to attend games to pay attention to the weather, use good judgment and follow any directions from local authorities regarding travel and weather.”

-Dan Gavitt, NCAA Vice President of Men’s Basketball Championships

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