- Storm Bert is causing major damage in Great Britain and could disrupt today’s matches
- It has triggered more than 200 flood warnings in England, Wales and Scotland
- The Met Office has introduced yellow weather warnings for rain and wind
Storm Bert is wreaking havoc across Britain, causing serious disruption that will significantly impact Premier League travel plans for fans and teams preparing for this afternoon’s matches.
A combination of torrential rain, gale-force winds and rapidly melting snow has led to more than 200 flood warnings in England, Wales and Scotland.
The Environment Agency has issued multiple red alerts to identify areas where flooding is expected and immediate action is required to protect life and property.
To add to the chaos, the Met Office has introduced yellow weather warnings for rain and wind in many parts of the country, with these dangerous conditions forecast to continue until Sunday evening.
These disruptions have left Premier League clubs and supporters facing huge logistical challenges in the lead-up to today’s matches, with many having to adjust their plans or find alternative routes to stadiums.
Liverpool supporters heading to Southampton for their side’s away match are experiencing severe flooding in the west of England, where road closures and diversions are widespread.
Storm Bert is wreaking havoc across Britain, causing serious disruptions that are significantly impacting the travel plans of fans and teams in the Premier League
A combination of torrential rain, gale-force winds and rapidly melting snow has led to more than 200 flood warnings in England, Wales and Scotland
The combination of thawing snow and persistent rain has left many areas flooded, with emergency services warning of treacherous conditions. the public to avoid non-essential travel.
Manchester United fans traveling to Ipswich face similar challenges. Rail lines between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent are blocked due to flooding, forcing cancellations and delays.
Some fans are resorting to alternate routes or driving to ensure they can make it to this afternoon’s game, but heavy rain and high winds on the highways make these options just as dangerous.
Even short-distance travel proves difficult. In Wales, roads such as the A40 and A465 are partially closed due to landslides and flooding, further exacerbating delays for fans traveling locally.
Police are urging the public to only travel if absolutely necessary, following a tragic incident on the A34 near Winchester in which a man in his 60s was killed after a tree fell on his car.
Emergency services were called to the southbound carriageway between Kings Worthy and Winnall at 7.47am on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers found the driver of a black Mercedes E350 deceased on the spot.
The weather disruption will come as a blow to many Man United fans who were hoping to catch a glimpse of their new manager Ruben Amorim on Sunday afternoon.
Amorim took over at Old Trafford during the international break after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. He replaced Erik ten Hag and took over from interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The weather disruption will come as a blow to many Man United fans, who were hoping to catch a glimpse of their new manager Ruben Amorim in action on Sunday afternoon.
The Portuguese was in Manchester this week to adapt to his new job as head coach of the Red Devils after leaving Sporting Lisbon in his home country
The Portuguese was in Manchester this week to adapt to his new job as head coach of the Red Devils after leaving Sporting Lisbon in his home country.
However, fans may have to wait until United’s next match against FK Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League to see the manager in action.
Premier League teams are not immune to the disruptive force of the storm. West Ham United are reportedly set to fly to Newcastle for their match on Monday, but conditions at airports in northern England are precarious.
Newcastle itself is experiencing wind gusts of up to 75 miles per hour, which could further complicate travel plans for the West Ham squad, potentially delaying or even preventing their journey.
These tough conditions have led to uncertainty surrounding the match, with match officials and the club monitoring the situation closely. If conditions deteriorate, there is a possibility that the match will be postponed or rescheduled.