Storm Darragh latest before Everton vs Liverpool as Merseyside derby weather warning issued
Liverpool travels the short distance to Goodison Park tomorrow, taking on Everton at the famous stadium for potentially the last time — unless the pair are drawn together in the FA Cup.
But ahead of Arne Slot's first Merseyside derby, there is a red weather warning for the region. Storm Darragh will imminently hit the UK, and the Met Office has issued a "danger to life" weather warning for Merseyside with winds of up to 80mph (130kph) over the weekend.
The weather warning is in place until Sunday (December 8). The weather service has warned that "flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life".
In addition, it suggests that there will "probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs". Longer journey times and cancellations are likely, with some roads and bridges likely to close, with falling trees an additional hazard. It also says there is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services including mobile phone coverage.
When the Merseyside derby takes place at 12.30pm UK time (7.30am ET), there will be an amber warning of wind in place. The Met Office forecasts that there will be gusts of around 70mph (110kph). Heavy rain has been predicted for the morning of the match but it will ease by the time the fixture kicks off.
In February 2014, Everton vs Crystal Palace was postponed 30 minutes prior to kick-off after high winds caused building damage around the stadium.
Everton won 4-0 at home against Wolves midweek while Liverpool drew 3-3 at Newcastle United. The Reds lead the Premier League table by seven points as things stand but the Blues won 2-0 in this fixture earlier in the year and will be desperate to leave Goodison Park on a high.