ATLANTA (AP) – The scheduled game between the Houston Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday has been officially postponed due to a significant winter storm impacting the Atlanta area. The decision was announced by the NBA, prioritizing the safety of players, fans, and staff in light of the severe weather and hazardous icy conditions.

The league stated that the new date for the rescheduled game would be communicated later, indicating an ongoing evaluation of the weather situation and its effects on travel and safety.

This winter storm, which struck the region on Friday, resulted in an accumulation of both snow and ice. As a consequence, local roads were anticipated to refreeze on Saturday night, creating further hazards for travel and commuting. Authorities highlighted that the icy conditions posed serious risks for anyone attempting to navigate the region.

Compounding the situation, power outages surged throughout Atlanta on Friday night as a result of falling trees making contact with power lines. Reports indicated that over 110,000 customers were without electricity, with the majority of outages centered in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Utility companies were working diligently to restore power, but the challenging weather conditions hindered their efforts.

The storm’s effects were visually evident, with numerous reports and images showcasing treacherous road conditions, including vehicles struggling to gain traction on slushy and icy highways. Interactive camera feeds showed a jackknifed truck on an offramp from Interstate 285, illustrating the severity of the winter weather that has enveloped Atlanta.

In summary, the combination of snowfall, ice accumulation, and substantial power outages has led to the postponement of the Rockets vs. Hawks game, underscoring how significant weather events can affect even high-profile sporting events. Safety remains the foremost concern during such severe weather conditions, with the NBA taking proactive measures to ensure the well-being of all involved.