Everton have closed parts of their Hill Dickinson Stadium site as a safety precaution due to the severe weather caused by Storm Amy in early October 2025. Specifically, areas such as Everton Way and the Originals Fan Wall have been temporarily shut to protect visitors from strong winds and heavy rain. Despite these closures, Everton have confirmed that their Premier League match against Crystal Palace, scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025, will go ahead as planned. The club has assured fans that preparations for the game continue safely and that the storm’s impact will not affect the fixture. Supporters are advised to stay updated via official club channels and to plan travel carefully due to ongoing local disruptions caused by the storm.
Everton’s decision to close parts of the Hill Dickinson Stadium site amid Storm Amy’s battering of Liverpool reflects a proactive approach to safety while maintaining focus on their upcoming Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. This comprehensive update covers the stadium closures, the impact of Storm Amy on the Liverpool region, the status of the Everton vs Crystal Palace match, and broader implications for fans and the football community.
Everton’s Stadium Site Closures Due to Storm Amy
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Areas Closed
Everton have closed two prominent areas at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium site:- Everton Way: A pathway lined with 36,000 personalized bricks, symbolizing the club’s connection with its supporters.
- Originals Fan Wall: A mosaic featuring images of fans, located near the West Stand.
These closures are temporary and implemented strictly for visitor safety amid the severe weather conditions.
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Reason for Closure
The closures respond to the high winds and heavy rain brought by Storm Amy, which have created hazardous conditions around the stadium footprint.- The club emphasized that the decision was made “in the interests of safety” to prevent accidents such as slips, trips, or injuries from falling debris.
- Everton’s statement reassured that these closures would not impact the team’s preparations for the Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
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Operational Impact
While fans cannot access these areas today, the club’s operational teams continue to work on the stadium and pitch to ensure readiness for the game.- The closures do not affect the main stadium facilities or the matchday experience inside the ground.
- Staff have adapted their routines to accommodate weather challenges, ensuring all safety protocols are followed.
Storm Amy’s Impact on Liverpool and Merseyside
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Weather Conditions
Storm Amy has brought severe weather to Liverpool and the wider Merseyside area, including:- Gusts of wind reaching up to 55 mph.
- Torrential rain causing localized flooding and slippery surfaces.
- Fallen trees and debris affecting transport infrastructure.
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Transport Disruptions
The storm has caused significant disruption to public transport, complicating travel for fans and residents:- Two trees fell on the Merseyrail line between Southport and Formby, leading to rail service suspensions and replacement bus services.
- Northern rail services from Liverpool to Blackpool were delayed due to track obstructions.
- Mersey Ferries cancelled services citing adverse weather conditions.
- Damage to overhead lines affected train departures from Liverpool Lime Street and Runcorn stations.
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Community and Safety Response
Local authorities and emergency services have been active in managing the storm’s effects, clearing debris and advising residents on safety precautions.- The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the region, valid until 7 pm on Saturday, October 4, with expectations of easing winds thereafter.
- Residents and visitors were urged to exercise caution, particularly around vulnerable areas such as parks, waterfronts, and construction sites.
Everton vs Crystal Palace Match Update
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Match Status
Despite the severe weather and stadium site closures, Everton have confirmed that the Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace will proceed as scheduled on Sunday, October 5, 2025, with a 2:00 pm kick-off.- The club’s statement emphasized that the closures of Everton Way and the Originals Fan Wall would not affect match preparations or the safety of players and fans inside the stadium.
- There is no indication of any postponement or cancellation related to Storm Amy.
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Importance of the Fixture
The match holds significant importance for both clubs:- Everton are seeking to end a recent winless streak and improve their standing in the Premier League under manager David Moyes.
- Crystal Palace arrive on a club-record unbeaten run, aiming to maintain momentum and possibly reach the top of the league table with a victory.
- The fixture is expected to be competitive and closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
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Team News and Preparations
Everton’s squad is managing some injury and suspension challenges but remains focused on the game:- Key defender Jarrad Branthwaite is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
- New signing Merlin Rohl is unavailable due to a groin issue.
- Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall faces a one-match suspension after controversial yellow cards.
- Training and tactical sessions have continued with adjustments for weather conditions.
Broader Football and Community Context
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Impact on Fans and Travel
Fans planning to attend the match are advised to monitor transport updates and allow extra time for travel due to ongoing disruptions.- The closure of Everton Way and the Originals Fan Wall means some traditional pre-match fan activities and photo opportunities are unavailable.
- The club encourages supporters to follow official channels for the latest information and safety advice.
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Storm Amy’s Wider Football Impact
Across the UK, Storm Amy has caused disruptions to football fixtures and stadiums:- In Scotland, Montrose’s Linis Park stadium suffered damage to its boundary wall, prompting a clean-up operation involving supporters.
- Rail and transport disruptions have affected fans traveling to other Premier League matches, such as Liverpool’s away game at Chelsea.
- No Premier League matches have been postponed due to the storm as of the current updates.
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Safety and Operational Protocols
The Premier League and clubs have established protocols to assess weather risks and make decisions prioritizing safety without unnecessarily disrupting the football calendar.- Everton’s proactive closure of stadium areas exemplifies a cautious and responsible approach.
- The club’s communication strategy ensures transparency and helps manage fan expectations.
Conclusion
Everton’s closure of parts of the Hill Dickinson Stadium site amid Storm Amy’s severe weather is a clear demonstration of the club’s commitment to safety and operational excellence. While the storm has caused significant disruption across Liverpool and Merseyside, Everton have managed to maintain preparations for their crucial Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. Fans can expect the match to proceed as planned, supported by robust safety measures and clear communication from the club. As Storm Amy’s impact eases, Everton and Crystal Palace will contest an eagerly anticipated game in challenging but manageable conditions, reflecting the resilience of football and its community in the face of adverse weather.
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