Dennis a menace as Wrexham game is off

TODAY’S National League match between Wrexham and Torquay United has been postponed due to safety concerns over the weather, writes Rob Griffths.

An amber weather warning has been put in place for the region due to Storm Dennis with strong winds and heavy rain forecast for Saturday and Sunday.

The amber alert, which comes in at 12pm on Saturday, warns people to be prepared for heavy rain, flooding, travel disruption and power cuts.

Therefore after discussion between both the Dragons and Torquay, as well as the league and various other necessary parties, the decision has been made to postpone the encounter.

A statement from Wrexham AFC said: “With supporters from our visitors embarking on a round trip of more than 500 miles and Wrexham supporters due to travel from throughout the north-west and north Wales to the stadium, with an ‘Amber Weather Warning’ in place due to the incoming Storm Dennis, it has been decided to call off the match.

“There are also more concerns from 10am tomorrow morning, regarding a ‘Yellow Warning’ for very high winds and heavy rain from storm Dennis interfering with our stadium infrastructure, surrounding trees and the pitch itself.

“Although the pitch is currently playable, albeit in a very wet state, the heavy rain forecast for tomorrow morning would certainly compromise the fixture taking place.

“This early decision supported by all parties is set to prevent many supporters travelling in dangerous conditions to a fixtures that may be called off late in the day due to heavy rains in any case.”

The statement added: “We would like to thank all supporters for their understanding in advance.

“An announcement regarding the rearrangement of the fixture will be made in due course.”

The new warning covers parts of Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire while the rest of the country remains under a yellow warning for rain and wind with gusts of hurricane-force winds of up to 70mph in coastal areas.

Up to 100mm of rainfall is expected to fall in Wales on higher grounds, adding to current water levels and triggering risk of flooding.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Storm Dennis is expected to bring very heavy rain, flooding and disruption to travel over the weekend.

“Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.