Gateshead FC's Friday night match against Tamworth has been postponed after heavy rainfall left the pitch at the Gateshead International Stadium unplayable, with Storm Boelo set to hit the region this weekend.
The 7.45pm kick-off against Tamworth FC is the latest in a growing list of cancellations in the region. The National League club confirmed the postponement in a statement, saying: "Tonight's game has been postponed following heavy rainfall causing the pitch at Gateshead International Stadium to be unplayable. The fixture will be rearranged in due course."
Ticket refunds announced
Gateshead later posted an update on social media, adding that "all tickets purchased for this fixture will be refunded in five to seven business days." It is unclear when the game will be rearranged to, given the usual business of the club's winter calendar.
Yellow warnings for severe weather have been issued, with several areas across the North East already feeling the impact of the conditions. There is no meaningful break in the rain throughout the North East until midnight, with heavy rain picking up again at around 11am on Saturday as Storm Boelo brings its first heavy gusts.
Storm Boelo forecast
Conditions are expected to worsen on Sunday, with winds of 62mph expected in Newcastle from 7am to 12pm. Other closures include Bamburgh Castle, the Quayside Market, and restricted opening times at Alnwick Gardens over the weekend.
The Met Office has released an official statement on the storm, with its chief forecasters saying that the north will get the "most severe conditions." Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Suri said: "With Storm Boelo on the way this weekend, another deep low-pressure system moves in from the Atlantic. The storm will be felt across the UK, with the most severe conditions in the north."
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway added: "Saturday morning will start dry and bright in the east of the UK, however further west rain and increasingly windy conditions will already be set in as people wake up for the day. This stormy weather will continue to move eastwards bringing rain and windy conditions to all of the UK."
Gusts could reach up to 80mph in places, and more widely gusts will still reach 50-60mph, with spells of heavy rain also likely to lead to some impacts. People should prepare by securing loose items outside their property, being ready in case of power outages and being aware of likely travel disruption.
