In an unprecedented move driven by severe weather conditions, Google has listed the West Coast Eagles vs. Carlton match at Optus Stadium on Sunday as “postponed.” This update, discovered by searching “AFL” on Google, indicates that the highly anticipated game, expected to draw over 50,000 spectators, will not proceed as scheduled, with a new date to be announced.
The decision comes amid significant concerns regarding the stadium’s ability to handle the extreme weather forecast for Perth and Western Australia’s south-west. Heavy thunderstorms and up to 60mm of rain are predicted to hit the region starting Friday night and continuing through Saturday. These conditions raise serious doubts about the readiness of the State’s premier sports venue, which has already been problematic due to its slippery surface this winter.
Adding to the complications, Optus Stadium is also set to host an international rugby union match between the Wallabies and South Africa on Saturday night. The combination of adverse weather and a high-profile event raises further concerns about the stadium’s condition.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for severe weather, with a trough and a developing cold front approaching Perth. “Showers will intensify around the capes by Friday night, spreading to Perth and up the west coast with rain and storms expected to continue into Saturday,” the bureau stated.
The forecast predicts heavy rainfall, with coastal areas expecting between 25mm to 50mm and inland Wheatbelt regions seeing 5mm to 10mm. Additionally, there is a risk of damaging winds.
Residents of Perth should prepare for continuous rain from late Friday through Sunday morning, with conditions expected to improve thereafter. By Monday, temperatures are expected to rise to around 20°C, though intermittent rain is forecast for the remainder of the week.
The Bureau of Meteorology also noted that the cold front moving eastward could bring damaging winds to the WA south coast, further emphasizing the severity of the weather conditions.
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