CLEVELAND — Browns fans had to wait just a little longer for the first home game of the 2023 preseason.
Friday's exhibition game against the Washington Commanders was delayed for around an hour and 15 minutes due to lightning near and around Downtown Cleveland, with fans inside the stadium being advised to seek shelter immediately. NFL rules stipulate play cannot resume for at least 30 minutes following even one lightning strike within the general area of the stadium (usually believed to be around 5-10 miles).
The two teams finally kicked off at 8:46 p.m. following 10-minute warmup period, with the majority of the Browns' defensive starters taking the field. Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson even played a series.
Northeast Ohio has been dealing with severe weather threats all afternoon and evening, including a brief tornado warning for a portion of Lorain County. Chances of thunderstorms as well as a flood advisory remain for portions of the area, and another storm system could be approaching later tonight.
Stay with 3News for the latest updates from Cleveland Browns Stadium.