Work to get Hill Dickinson Stadium ready for Sunday's tie is going ahead amid the difficult conditions
A general view of Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
A general view of Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
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Preparations for Everton's home game with Crystal Palace are not being impacted by the strong winds and heavy rain brought by Storm Amy, the club said. Severe weather battered Liverpool on Saturday morning, leading to transport disruption across the region.
The conditions were bad enough for Everton to close access to parts of the new stadium site.
Yet while supporters will be unable to take in the Everton Way and the fan wall amid the storm, the club said the safety measures would not undermine preparations for the Blues’ Premier League match with Palace, scheduled for Sunday afternoon (2pm kick-off).
Merseyside is currently the subject of a yellow weather warning as the storm hits the area.
Met Office forecasters had warned of gusts of up to 55mph through Saturday and the weather system has already caused problems.
Two trees had fallen on the Merseyrail line between Southport and Formby by 10am, leading to the disruption of train services and requirement for rail replacement buses.
Northern services from Liverpool to Blackpool were also impacted due to an obstruction on the track while Mersey Ferries cancelled services, citing the “adverse weather”.
Against the same backdrop of challenging conditions, Everton announced access to parts of the Hill Dickinson Stadium footprint would not be possible - but reassured supporters ahead of tomorrow's game.
The club said: “We can advise that due to Storm Amy, and the severe weather currently affecting the region, Everton Way and the Originals Fan Wall at Hill Dickinson Stadium have been closed to visitors in the interests of safety.
“The closure will not impact preparations for tomorrow’s Premier League fixture.”
The Everton Way is a pathway of 36,000 personalised bricks that line the walkway alongside the South Stand while the fan wall is a mosaic of supporter images in the West Stand.
The Met Office’s warning is in place until 7pm on Saturday, with weather experts expecting the winds to then ease.