When extreme weather impacts on football matches: tornados, lightning storms, rain

The Copa America Centenario semi-final between Chile and Colombia was plunged into chaos here Wednesday after a severe thunderstorm halted play.

With Chile leading 2-0 at half-time at Soldier Field, a heavy storm rolled into the region forcing stadium officials to delay the start of the second half. Tens of thousands of spectators were ordered to take shelter inside the stadium, leaving the ground empty as torrential rain pounded the stands. Lightning lit up the stadium backdrop as loud crashes of thunder sent fans scurrying for cover.

The storm created the very real prospect of the match not being completed on Wednesday. Under tournament rules, if play is suspended for more than three hours the match will be called off and resumed the following day but luckily this didn't turn out to be the case.

There have been many other occasions when Mother Nature has impacted on football matches and we look back at a few.