UPDATE: Liverpool vs Everton weather and Storm Babet latest as postponements expected
Here’s a look at the warnings currently in place around the UK for Storm Babet and the impact it could have on the weekend’s football fixtures, including Liverpool vs Everton
The UK could be set for a host of football postponements over the weekend due to the impact of Storm Babet.
The Met Office has placed a red warning in parts of Scotland, spanning Angus and Aberdeenshire, with ‘severe flooding and disruption’ forecast for Saturday. There have also been warnings put in place for parts of northern England as clubs prepare to return to league action.
In terms of the North West, the Met Office has provided an amber warning, with ‘persistent heavy rain’ and the ‘likelihood of some flooding’ expected from Friday into the early hours of Saturday, The North East, Yorkshire, and both the East and West Midlands have all been placed into the same category, with many travelling football fans facing the prospect of disrupted journeys.
Liverpool vs Everton latest
Liverpool are preparing to host Everton at Anfield on Saturday afternoon and it is hoped that conditions will improve in time for the 12.30pm kick-off. However, Liverpool City Council has already decided to postpone all weekend fixtures at grassroots level.
Writing on social media, Liverpool City Council said: “Due to the adverse weather conditions, and with the heavy rain set to continue, we have made the decision to call off all fixtures on LCC operated football pitches this weekend (21st & 22nd Oct). Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Back in the Premier League, a number of games on Saturday will be hosted in areas that currently have weather warnings. Manchester City are scheduled to host Bighton; Crystal Palace travel to Newcastle; and Nottingham Forest take on Luton Town.
However, it will be the games outside of England’s top-flight that are likely to be most at risk of water-logged pitches. A full round of fixtures are scheduled in the EFL, Women’s Super League and Scottish football.
What have the Met Office said?
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wardle said: “Storm Babet will bring disruption for parts of the UK in the coming days, with heavy rain and strong winds likely for many.
“Heavy and persistent rain will fall onto already saturated ground bringing a risk of flooding. It is important to stay up to date with warnings from your local flood warning agency as well as the local authorities. As well as heavy rain, Storm Babet will bring some very strong winds and large waves near some eastern coasts too.”
