Everton’s Premier League encounter with Liverpool has been postponed after Storm Darragh wreaked havoc across Merseyside. The area was placed under an amber weather warning on Friday after the Met Office predicted strong winds.

Ahead of the match, Everton staff had been working with Liverpool Council and the emergency services. And Merseyside Police had warned members of the public against non-essential travel.

A decision was announced early on Saturday morning, with Everton's official X account confirming the postponement.

The Toffees said in a statement on their website: "Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today, Saturday 7 December, has been postponed.

"Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.

"Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course. All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture."

Liverpool later said: "Liverpool FC can confirm today’s Premier League fixture against Everton at Goodison Park, scheduled for a 12.30pm kick-off, has been postponed.

"This is due to severe weather and high winds, which have also resulted in severe travel disruption in and around Merseyside.

"Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting this morning at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council, it was decided that due to the risk to safety in the local area, and the amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s match is postponed on safety grounds.

"We appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, but the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.

"Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture, including ticketing, will be announced in due course."

On Friday evening, Everton and Liverpool released a joint statement that read: “Supporters attending Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel and remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.

“An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am GMT on Saturday, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely. The warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday.

“Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and take extra care. Supporters are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for the Premier League fixture (12.30pm kick-off).”

And a Met Office spokesperson said: “A period of very strong northerly or north-westerly winds is likely to develop during Saturday as Storm Darragh moves from west to east.

“Gusts of 70 to 80mph are likely around exposed coasts and headlands, where some very large waves are likely, whilst gusts of 60 to 70mph are likely inland. The strongest winds will ease from the west through the afternoon. A yellow warning for wind remains in effect until am on Sunday morning.”

Liverpool have enjoyed an incredible start to the season and are currently seven points clear of second-place Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table having won 11 of their 14 matches.

But the Reds did drop two points on their travels in midweek after playing out a scintillating 3-3 draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Mohamed Salah thought he had won the game for the Reds late on with his second goal of the evening after Curtis Jones had netted in between strikes from Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. But Fabian Schar grabbed his side a share of the spoils late on.

Everton, meanwhile, have endured a difficult campaign after winning just three times in the top-flight.

But they will be high on confidence after thrashing Wolves 4-0 on Wednesday evening. Ashley Young opened the scoring in that encounter before Orel Mangala doubled the Toffees’ advantage before the break.

Sean Dyche’s men then secured maximum points after Wolves defender Craig Dawson turned the ball into his own net on two occasions.