Flood alert ahead of US, Ghana game

NATAL, Brazil – Authorities in Natal issued an alert Sunday after days of heavy rain caused flooding in several neighbourhoods one day ahead of the Group G clash between the US and Ghana.

There is no danger to the game, however, despite 36 hours of non-stop rain which dumped 220 millimetres - over half the monthly average for June - on the city.

Authorities evacuated 50 homes amid power cuts to several neighbourhoods, and advised residents to hunker down in a safe place. “The key words here are caution and solidarity,” mayor Carlos Eudardo said in a statement. “The best thing to do is wait - and wait in a safe place.”

Mexico and Cameroon had a taste of the conditions when they played in a 1-0 victory for El Tri in heavy rain on Friday. But the weather seemed to improve on Sunday prompting a satisfied tweet from US coach Juergen Klinsmann: “For the first time in Natal, we are seeing sunshine!! Looking forward to today's official training in the amazing stadium here.” –