A HUGE storm in the eastern states is set to make for a wet and wild day of football on Saturday.
Three games in particular are likely to suffer from the severe weather which has brought flood warnings to Victoria and Queensland – Hawthorn v Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday afternoon, Geelong v GWS at Simonds Stadium in the twilight game and Gold Coast v Sydney Swans at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
The Suns confirmed on Saturday afternoon that their match against the Swans would go ahead, despite torrential rain at the ground during the NEAFL game. A women's under-18 curtain-raiser match was cancelled, along with other pre-game activities.
18 minute 2nd qtr siren has gone.30 min half time break to let this pass. #AFLsunsswans @GoldCoastSUNS @sydneyswans pic.twitter.com/KX2JkxD5gM
— Dean Solomon (@SollySolomon) June 4, 2016
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for south-east Queensland with flash floods a possibility in the area.
Damaging winds with peak gusts of 90kmph are possible in coastal areas of Queensland and NSW, with rainfalls in excess of 250mm possible nearer to the coast.
We hope the boys remembered their goggles and flippers. It is certainly wet and windy up here today! pic.twitter.com/eahUGOGffB
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) June 3, 2016
The rain is likely to be less severe in Melbourne but parking at the MCG in Yarra Park will be limited, with extra trains running to compensate for the expected increase in demand for public transport.
Parking capacity in Yarra Park is heavily reduced for @HawthornFC v @melbournefc. Please take public transport if possible. #AFLHawksDees
— Melb Cricket Club (@MCC_Members) June 3, 2016
Fans in Hobart on Friday night escaped the rain as North Melbourne defeated Richmond by 70 points although the temperature dipped to under six degrees during the match.