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Wigan’s League One match against Huddersfield on New Year’s Day has been postponed due to flooding.
In a statement issued four hours before the 3pm kick-off, the Latics informed fans to avoid making trips to the ground after strong winds and rain hit Brick Community Stadium on Tuesday.
Despite the playing surface being in good condition to host the match, the decision was made to call off the match amid stormy weather chaos across the country.
On Monday, Met Office chiefs warned that more than five inches of rain could fall by the end of New Year’s Eve and that heavy snow could hit the north of the country, where an amber “risk to health” weather warning was issued. life”.
“Our New Year’s Day clash against Huddersfield Town has been postponed due to severe localized flooding,” the statement began. ‘Heavy rain on Tuesday night has made roads in the area hazardous, although the playing surface at Brick Community Stadium was deemed playable.
“However, safety concerns in public areas surrounding the pitch and the strain on local emergency services dealing with a number of major incidents, which have been affected by severe flooding, led to the match being suspended. of league.
Wigan’s League One match against Huddersfield has been suspended due to flooding at their stadium.
The Latics were hoping to get back to winning ways after a three-game winless streak in the league.
Shaun Maloney’s side are currently 16th in the third division with 27 points from their first 22 games.
‘Access to the area is highly restricted, many access routes are closed due to flooding and emergency services are unable to provide resources to support match day operations.
“The news is naturally disappointing as Shaun Maloney and his players were looking forward to the long-awaited New Year’s Day match, but the safety of both sets of supporters is of paramount importance.
An update on the calendar reorganization will be announced in due course. “All New Year’s match tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled match.”
Bad weather in the UK forced the cancellation of outdoor events at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, including the street party and concert in Princes Street Gardens – which would be headlined by Scottish band Texas – and the fireworks. midnight.
Large areas of the country were asked to prepare for flooding as rising water levels threaten lives and property.
Almost all parts of the UK are covered by at least one of the Met Office’s multiple weather warnings between Monday and Wednesday.
A yellow weather warning for heavy rain and snow has been in force for most of Scotland for Monday and Tuesday, while an amber warning for rain is in force for an area around Inverness on Tuesday.
Stormy conditions are expected to spread to the rest of the UK, with yellow warnings for wind and rain in place for parts of England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
There are weather warnings for rain and snow in Scotland, as well as Wales and the north of England.
Waves crashing onto the shore in strong winds at Cleveleys Beach, near Blackpool, on New Year’s Eve
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said: “It will be a tricky couple of days and a wet and windy spell for many into the new year.”
“We encourage anyone planning to travel to stay up to date with the weather forecast and news from their local authorities.”
The new year will get off to a turbulent start with separate weather warnings for wind and rain on January 1.
Winds of up to 60mph are forecast across much of England and Wales throughout the day on Wednesday, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, according to the Met Office.