Things got out to an electric start in the Week 1 matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars. Inside and outside EverBank Stadium.
Less than seven minutes into the second quarter of Sunday's game, play was suspended due to lightning. These delays are commonplace during the early stages of the NFL season, and the highly anticipated NFL debut of Travis Hunter is the latest casualty of storm cells moving through the East Coast.
Here is what to know about the weather in Jacksonville, Fla., and when to expect play between the Jaguars and Panthers to resume.
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Why is Jaguars vs. Panthers game delayed?
Update: The game resumed at 3:10 p.m. ET after a 65-minute delay.
Play in Sunday's Week 1 game between the Jaguars and Panthers has been suspended due to weather in the Jacksonville area. Per NFL rules, play must stop for at least 30 minutes if there is lightning within 10 miles of the stadium.
Officials have indicated that the game will restart at 3:10 p.m. ET, according to multiple reporters. Players returned to the field for warm-ups around 2:55 p.m. ET.
At 2:40 p.m. ET, reporters at EverBank Stadium suggested the storm is slow-moving, indicating that it could be another half-hour before teams are instructed to return to the field.
As of 2:15 p.m. ET, Action News Jax chief meteorologist Mike Buresh suggested that it "will be a while before lightning is outside of the NFL radius."
#firstalertwx Storms over Northern Duuu-val moving slowly east while building south - will be a while before lightning is outside of the NFL radius - 10 miles - to resume @Jaguars game @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/VrZg1Nw7SN
— Mike Buresh (@MikeFirstAlert) September 7, 2025
The delay began at 1:54 p.m. ET, and there is 8:32 remaining in the first half.
The Jaguars lead the Panthers, 10-3, following a touchdown pass to Hunter Long. Play was brought to a halt before Jacksonville kicked the ball to Carolina.
MORE: Tracking Travis Hunter's snap count and highlights from NFL debut
How long is lightning delay?
There is no set time for lightning delays in the NFL, though there are procedures to follow.
Teams are not permitted to return to the field until 30 minutes have elapsed from the last lightning strike in the area. From there, teams begin a warm-up process before play can resume.