STORM DARRAGH is causing chaos in the football leagues today – including the Premier League with Everton vs Liverpool now called off.
Two Championship matches have also been postponed.
Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth side will not be able to face Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.
And Watford’s thrilling away fixture against Cardiff has now been called off too.
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Find out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…
Wild and windy
The Met Office is anticipating winds of 70 to 80mph around exposed coasts and headlands on Merseyside.
But the predicted speed in the area drops to around 60-70mph inland.
Wales and south west England might suffer the most severe effects in Britain.
The Met Office has put out a rare red alert for that region – including an emergency warning – to around 3million people.
Winds there could reach a life-endangering 90mph in some places.
Safe travels football fans.
Airport chaos
Flying debris and falling trees could pose a risk to life while large waves.
Beach material could be thrown on to coastal roads and seafronts, forecasters said.
There could also be damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.
Power cuts could affect other services such as mobile phone coverage.
Dublin airport has welcomed a number of flights bound for other airports and diverted due to the storm.
A number of British Airways flights to and from Heathrow, Paris, the United States and the Netherlands have also been cancelled.
Government warning
It is understood that people will have received the alert if they live in the following areas:
- Devon
- Bath
- North East Somerset
- City of Bristol
- North Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
- Somerset
- Isle of Anglesey
- Gwynedd
- Conwy
- Ceredigion
- Pembrokeshire
- Carmarthenshire
- Swansea
- Neath Port Talbot
- Bridgend
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Cardiff
- Monmouthshire
- Newport
A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office added: “The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather.
“It is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption.”
Train chaos
A slew of rail services have already been pummelled by storm Darragh as the weekend gets underway.
Here are some of today’s updates:
- Disruption to Northern services between Leeds and Wakefield Westgate expected until the end of the day
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh will affect Avanti West Coast services
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh will affect CrossCountry services
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh will affect Great Western Railway services
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh will affect London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh will affect LNER services
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh will affect Merseyrail
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh is affecting Northern services
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh is affecting ScotRail services
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh will affect South Western Railway services
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh will affect TransPennine Express services
- Severe weather and Storm Darragh is affecting Transport for Wales services
Darragh deluge
Brits have been urged to stay at home in a rare red warning as 90mph Storm Darragh winds hit – with flights and trains axed.
Millions have been warned to stay indoors and thousands are without power as the Government’s “risk to life” alert comes into force.
The emergency alert came into effect at 1am for people covered by the red wind warning in parts of Wales and the south west England.
It was the largest use of the warning system yet, with the alert urging residents to avoid driving and to “stay indoors if you can””
Wind gusts of up to 92mph have been recorded overnight in Capel Curig in North Wales and Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula.
Gusts of between 72-78mph were recorded along the coasts of Wales and Northern Ireland.
Storm Darragh is terrorising football
Good afternoon football lovers!
This is not a blog I would like to be doing as a football lover myself, but Storm Darragh is unfortunately ripping through the country.
And as a result, several football matches have been called off.
Including TWO matches from the Championshp and one involves Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth.
Keep scrolling to find out about all of the postponed fixutres due to Storm Darragh.
What other matches could be affected?
Other games in the area that could be hit by the weather include Bristol Rovers vs Bolton in League One, and Yeovil Town’s FA Trophy clash with Weymouth.
Meanwhile Haverfordwest County announced their Welsh Premier League clash with Briton Ferry tonight was also postponed.
Red warnings are extremely rare, with today’s announcement just the 19th such warning since records begin in 2011.
The alert, issued on the Met Office website, warns of danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees.
Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, are also expected – with power cuts potentially affecting other services including mobile coverage.
Brits are urged to avoid travelling and stay indoors if possible.
There is a 39-hour yellow wind warning for the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and much of Scotland, until 6am on Sunday.
Storm Bert
The last storm to cause chaos among the EFL was Storm Bert
Storm Bert caused chaos in the EFL as a number of matches were called off due to heavy snow and rain battering the UK.
The League Two clash between Bradford and Accrington Stanley was first to get called off.
It was revealed at 10:30am that there would be a pitch inspection and just 20 minutes later the game was postponed.
Salford’s clash against Bromley was called off just an hour before kick-off.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth supporters had already begun the 270-mile journey up to Blackburn for their Championship clash when it was officially called out.
Blessing in disguise for Rooney
Storm Darragh may have kept Wayne Rooney in a job at Plymouth for a little while longer.
Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth will not face Oxford United tomorrow due to the 90mph wind speed.
The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.
It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.
And another loss tomorrow could have potentially saw Rooney get the sack despite the Pilgrims’ chairman quotes
Storm Darragh statement
Storm Darragh is sweeping across the Atlantic with the Met Office issuing a rare red ‘danger to life’ warning across parts of Wales, Bristol and north Somerset.
The FAW said in a statement: “The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.
“It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.
“Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.
“Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.”
Saturday Prem fixtures
Premier League fans will be praying that Storm Darragh doesn’t postpone their matches.
Here is the games that are happening on Saturday.
- Aston Villa vs Southampton
- Brentford vs Newcastle
- Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
- Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest
Storm Darragh statement
Storm Darragh is sweeping across the Atlantic with the Met Office issuing a rare red ‘danger to life’ warning across parts of Wales, Bristol and north Somerset.
The FAW said in a statement: “The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.
“It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.
“Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.
“Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.”
Everton statement
The Toffees’ statement reads: “Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.
“Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.
“All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”
Everton vs Liverpool postponed
This is certainly the case today…
Credit: Reuters Four games left
There are still four games set to take place today in the Premier League.
- Aston Villa vs Southampton (3pm)
- Crystal Palace vs Man City (3pm)
- Brentford vs Newcastle (3pm)
- Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest (5.30pm)
Everton confirm derby OFF
Everton have confirmed their Merseyside derby with Liverpool has been called off.
Everton vs Liverpool OFF
Everton’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm today, has been POSTPONED.
Prem to go ahead
As things stand, Premier League games WILL go ahead today, though conditions may worsen.
Everton vs Liverpool takes place at 12.30 and an amber warning for wind has been placed on Merseyside.
It’s expected winds of 60-70 mph will occur inland, with that number rising to 80 mph in coastal regions.
Fans have been urged to travel with caution and to leave for Goodison Park as early as possible, with travel delays likely.
Elsewhere in the Premier League today, Aston Villa host Southampton, Brentford take on Newcastle, Crystal Palace face Man City and Man Utd are up against Nottingham Forest.
Wild and windy
The Met Office is anticipating winds of 70 to 80mph around exposed coasts and headlands on Merseyside.
But the predicted speed in the area drops to around 60-70mph inland.
Wales and south west England might suffer the most severe effects in Britain.
The Met Office has put out a rare red alert for that region – including an emergency warning – to around 3million people.
Winds there could reach a life-endangering 90mph in some places.
Safe travels Liverpool and Everton fans.
Amber
Liverpool vs Everton is scheduled to still go ahead even though Merseyside is in the amber.
Liverpool and Everton joint statement
Liverpool and Everton have released a joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh could curtail Saturday’s derby.
The Merseyside rivals spoke out to offer advice to fans – as the region braces itself for winds of up to 80mph.
Both statements read: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel, and to remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.
“An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am on Saturday morning, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely.
“That warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday.
“Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to take extra care.
“Fans are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.”
Sunday and Monday Prem fixtures
- Fulham vs Arsenal
- Ipswich vs Bournemouth
- Leicester vs Brighton
- Tottenham vs Chelsea
Monday, December 9
- West Ham vs Wolves
Saturday Prem fixtures
Premier League fans will be praying that Storm Darragh doesn’t postpone their matches.
Here is the games that are happening on Saturday.
- Everton vs Liverpool
- Aston Villa vs Southampton
- Brentford vs Newcastle
- Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
- Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest
Everton vs Liverpool in jeopardy
Liverpool will be looking to bounceback from their draw against Newcastle with a win over Everton – but the weather might have other plans.
The Reds dropped two points against the Toon courtesy of Fabian Schar’s 90th minute strike.
While Everton thrashed Wolves midweek meaning their tails will be up.
But there has been reports that the final ever Merseyside Derby at this Goodison Park is under threat due to Storm Darragh
Storm Bert
The last storm to cause chaos among the EFL was Storm Bert
Storm Bert caused chaos in the EFL as a number of matches were called off due to heavy snow and rain battering the UK.
The League Two clash between Bradford and Accrington Stanley was first to get called off.
It was revealed at 10:30am that there would be a pitch inspection and just 20 minutes later the game was postponed.
Salford’s clash against Bromley was called off just an hour before kick-off.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth supporters had already begun the 270-mile journey up to Blackburn for their Championship clash when it was officially called out.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
