Everton are working with key partner agencies to monitor the weather, with severe winds expected to hit Merseyside on Saturday, ahead of the derby with Liverpool
Everton officials are working with the emergency services and Liverpool Council amid preparations for a Merseyside derby with Liverpool on Saturday that is set to take place amid severe weather. Forecasters anticipate Storm Darragh will batter the UK over the coming days and the Met Office has placed Liverpool under an amber warning due to the strength of the winds predicted.
The match (12.30pm kick-off) is still set to go ahead – and games have been held amid weather warnings in the past – but the Blues and respective safety agencies will be following conditions closely. Merseyside Police, separately, is advising against “non-essential travel”.
The North West is the subject of the amber weather warning for most of Saturday, with experts predicting Merseyside could be hit with gusts of up to 80mph in exposed coastal areas and up to 70mph inland.
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Guidance issued by the Met Office on Friday warned of the potential for travel disruption, power cuts and for “flying debris and falling trees could result in a danger to life”.
Wales is under the more severe red warning, meaning it is “very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure”.
The threat of bad weather is already having an impact on events in Liverpool, with Merseyside Police, Liverpool Council and other agencies announcing the decision to cancel public viewings of the Royal Navy flagship the HMS Prince of Wales, currently docked in Liverpool. Safety concerns were cited as the reason for the move, with those involved hopeful that viewings will be able to recommence on Sunday.
For the derby, the main issue will be safety for the supporters around the ground. The club and emergency services have held meetings on the potential problems on Friday and discussions over the event will continue in the morning.
A statement released by Everton and Liverpool FC on Friday evening advised: “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.2That 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 (12:30pm kick-off).”
Of the weather in general this weekend, a spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “We are advising members of the public to stay safe, plan ahead and avoid any non-essential travel until conditions have improved. Residents are advised to check the relevant local authority pages for details.
“If you need to make an essential journey during the storm, please plan ahead and drive carefully. Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance. Those using public transport are advised to check for any disruption before they travel.”
