Storm Chandra Forces EFL Match Postponements Across England
The United Kingdom has been grappling with severe weather conditions over the past 24 hours, as Storm Chandra unleashes torrential rain and powerful winds across the nation. This adverse weather has directly impacted the sporting calendar, causing significant disruption to English Football League fixtures scheduled for midweek.
Multiple Games Called Off Due to Safety Concerns
Three EFL matches have been officially postponed, with clubs citing waterlogged pitches and safety risks as the primary reasons. The cancellations come hours before the scheduled kick-offs, affecting teams in both League One and League Two.
The affected fixtures include:
- Cheltenham Town vs. Gillingham (League Two) – Postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the EV Charger Points Stadium following persistent heavy rainfall.
- Port Vale vs. AFC Wimbledon (League One) – Called off because of large amounts of standing water on the Vale Park playing surface.
- Barrow vs. Oldham Athletic (League Two) – Postponed on safety grounds due to forecast high wind speeds and gusts posing risks to supporter safety and emergency services access.
Official Statements Highlight Weather Impact
Cheltenham Town released a statement confirming their match postponement, noting that a pitch inspection at 9:30 AM determined no improvement in conditions was likely before the evening fixture. Match officials appointed by the EFL made the final decision after assessing the surface.
Port Vale similarly announced their game's cancellation, with the match official deeming the pitch unplayable due to standing water accumulation from the storm's rainfall.
Barrow provided detailed reasoning for their postponement, emphasizing consultation with their Safety Advisory Group. The club stated that forecast wind conditions presented risks not only within the stadium footprint but also to local travel routes and emergency service operations. The decision was made early to prevent unnecessary travel by supporters.
League Context and Team Standings
The postponed matches involve teams at various points in their respective league campaigns. In League Two, Gillingham currently occupies 12th position, while Cheltenham Town sits in 18th place, trailing by eight points. Both sides have experienced inconsistent form throughout the season.
In League One, AFC Wimbledon holds 18th position with nine wins from twenty-six games. Port Vale faces relegation concerns, having accumulated only eighteen points so far this term, putting them at risk of dropping to League Two.
The disruption caused by Storm Chandra underscores the vulnerability of outdoor sporting events to extreme weather conditions. Football authorities and clubs continue to prioritize supporter safety and pitch integrity when making postponement decisions, even when such calls disappoint traveling fans.
