The Brown & White

Tropical storm Hanna is expected to make landfall sometime Friday night, but that hasn't changed plans for tomorrow's football game against Drake University's Bulldogs.

Director of athletic facilities Greg Schulze said he's been checking the weather reports, but says the game will go on unless conditions become unsafe, which could delay the game.

"We could have a few sprinkles or we could have several inches," Schulze said.

Tailgating for the event won't be canceled, but may be moved off the grass to paved parking lots, he said. Kickoff will be at 12:30 p.m.

Predictions anticipate between about half an inch of rain tonight and between two and three inches tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. The service also predicts winds between 20 and 23 miles per hour tomorrow.

"[The storm] is expected to bring three to seven inches of rain to the watch area from late Friday night into Saturday night. These rainfall totals have the potential to produce flooding across the area," said a flood watch from the National Weather Service.

The field has a new drainage system and new grass, so although Schulze is optimistic, he said he doesn't know how the field will perform. The athletics department will have a tarp cover the field until the game begins.

"We're trying to do as much preparation as we can," he said. "Whatever amount of rain we get overnight, hopefully it won't affect the field."

Bob Mateff, the director of emergency management for Northampton County said students should stay away from flooded areas and roads while driving and to observe road closures. He said they expect small creeks to flood with the five to seven inches of rain they predict, although the larger rivers aren't expected to flood.

"Be in a position to get to get to high ground and a shelter," Mateff said.