- Storm Bert is wreaking havoc across the UK and could disrupt today’s fixtures
- It has triggered more than 200 flood alerts across England, Wales, and Scotland
- The Met Office has implemented yellow weather warnings for rain and wind
Storm Bert is wreaking havoc across the UK, causing severe disruptions that are significantly impacting Premier League travel plans for fans and teams gearing up for this afternoon’s fixtures.
A combination of torrential rain, gale-force winds, and rapidly melting snow has triggered more than 200 flood alerts across England, Wales, and Scotland.
The Environment Agency has issued multiple red warnings, signalling areas where flooding is expected, and immediate action is required to protect lives and property.
Adding to the chaos, the Met Office has implemented yellow weather warnings for rain and wind across large swathes of the country, predicting these hazardous conditions will persist into Sunday evening.
These disruptions have left Premier League clubs and supporters facing immense logistical challenges ahead of today’s matches, with many scrambling to adjust plans or find alternate routes to stadiums.
Liverpool supporters heading to Southampton for their side’s away fixture are contending with severe flooding in the west of England, where road closures and detours are widespread.
Storm Bert is wreaking havoc across the UK, causing severe disruptions that are significantly impacting Premier League travel plans for fans and teams
A combination of torrential rain, gale-force winds, and rapidly melting snow has triggered more than 200 flood alerts across England, Wales, and Scotland
The combination of thawing snow and persistent rain has left many areas submerged, with emergency services warning of treacherous conditions – advising the public to avoid non-essential travel.
Manchester United fans traveling to Ipswich face similar challenges. Rail lines between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent have been blocked due to flooding, forcing cancellations and delays.
Some fans are resorting to alternate routes or driving to ensure they can make this afternoon’s fixture, but heavy rain and high winds on the motorways make these options just as perilous.
Even short-distance travel is proving difficult. In Wales, roads such as the A40 and A465 have been partially closed due to landslides and flooding, compounding delays for fans traveling locally.
Police are urging the public to travel only if absolutely necessary following a tragic incident on the A34 near Winchester, where a man in his 60s lost his life after a tree fell on his car.
Emergency services were called to the southbound carriageway between Kings Worthy and Winnall at 7:47 a.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers found the driver of a black Mercedes E350 deceased at the scene.
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.
Amorim took charge at Old Trafford during the international break after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing Erik ten Hag and taking the reins 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 has been in Manchester this week as he adapts to his new job as head coach of the Red Devils following his departure from Sporting Lisbon in his homeland
The Portuguese has been in Manchester this week as he adapts to his new job as head coach of the Red Devils following his departure from Sporting Lisbon in his homeland.
However, fans may have to wait until United’s next fixture against FK Bodø/Glimt in the Europa Leauge to see the manager in action.
Premier League teams are not immune to the storm’s disruptive force. West Ham United are reportedly scheduled to fly to Newcastle for their match on Monday, but conditions at airports in northern England are precarious.
Newcastle itself is experiencing gusts of up to 70mph, which could further complicate travel plans for the West Ham squad, potentially delaying or even preventing their journey.
These severe conditions have led to uncertainty about the fixture, with match officials and the club closely monitoring the situation. If conditions worsen, there is a possibility the game could be postponed or rescheduled.