Tonight's Premier League fixtures at Man City and Everton were called off at 6.30.
The Met Office has issued red warnings - the highest possible - for parts of Wales and north-west England in the evening.
Gusts of 80-100mph are anticipated, capable of causing structural damage or uprooting trees. Members of the public are advised to alter travel arrangements.
One of the areas covered by the warnings is Merseyside, where Everton were due to host Crystal Palace.
An amber warning, meaning possible severe gales, is also in place for Greater Manchester in the evening and a lesser yellow warning for strong wind in Stoke-on-Trent.