The Great South Run, a popular event in Portsmouth that was scheduled for Sunday, has been canceled due to the impending Storm Ashley. The decision was made to ensure the safety of the more than 20,000 runners who were expected to participate.
Organizers of the run expressed their apologies and explained that the combination of high winds, potential debris, and high tide levels posed a significant risk to the safety of the event. The decision to cancel the run was not taken lightly and was made after consulting with various authorities and safety teams to assess the situation.
Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, is expected to bring severe weather conditions across the UK. The Met Office has issued warnings for high winds, with northwest Scotland expected to experience the worst of the storm, with gusts of up to 80mph in exposed areas. Other parts of the UK, including Wales, Northern Ireland, and Cumbria, are also expected to experience strong winds and heavy rain.
The storm is forecasted to rapidly deepen on Saturday night and interact with a strong jet stream, leading to explosive cyclogenesis. While England and Wales will also be affected by the storm, the most severe conditions are expected in western Scotland. Coastal areas are at risk of overtopping due to the combination of strong winds and high tides.
In light of Storm Ashley’s impact, the cancelation of the Great South Run was a necessary precaution to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. It is disappointing news for all those who were looking forward to the event, but safety must always come first in such circumstances. The organizers hope for understanding from the public and assure that the decision was made with careful consideration of all the risks involved.
