The short but powerful thunderstorm that swept over Brussels just before the start of the evening rush hour caused problems across the Capital Region, with several important tunnels flooded.
Heavy showers caused many roads to flood and gusts of almost 100 kilometres per hour sparked chaos in some local areas. The Brussels fire brigade has already received over 100 calls.
Some 150 reports of incidents such as flooded roads and fallen branches and trees are on the waiting list, spokesperson for the Brussels fire service Walter Derieuw told reporters around 18:45. "There are currently some 22 interventions in progress, including a flooded Arts-Loi tunnel."
Additionally, one person was slightly injured following the collapse of a false ceiling, but has already left the hospital, Derieuw added.
Brussels Mobility reports that several tunnels in the city have been closed. Among them are the Cinquantenaire tunnel and Stephania tunnel, as well as the Arts-Loi tunnel in both directions. Several vehicles were stuck.
Several hours later, more heavy showers also flooded the Annie Cordy tunnel towards Basilica, the Reyers-Montgomery tunnel towards Abbaye de la Cambre and the Montgomery tunnel towards the A12 road. According to Brussels Mobility, these were still closed to traffic around 20:00.
Images on social media also show several streets flooded, including the major Rue Belliard in the city's European Quarter.
Finally, we have a river in the EU headquarters 🚣‍♂️🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/OAQUEM7or3
— Miroslav Hrstka (@mir_hrstka) July 9, 2024
On the Brussels ring road traffic was severely disrupted. A fallen tree is blocking traffic near Beersel. In Uccle, wind gusts of up to 102 km/h were recorded in the late afternoon.
Brussels public transport operator STIB also warned that its services are affected by the storm. "We are activating the storm plan on the STIB network due to the storm," it announced on social media around 18:30.
Tram lines 3, 4, 7, 8, 18, 19, 82 en 92 are currently experiencing disruption, and several bus lines have also been diverted, including the 41 (due to the closure of the Bois de la Cambre). The line is restricted to Florida towards Héros. Bus line 45 has also been diverted between Cicéron in Evere and Marcel Thiry.
Train traffic across the country is also affected, with possible delays and cancellations on the entire network, Belgian rail operator SNCB announced on social media. Rail traffic is currently also interrupted between Huizingen and Beersel. A fallen tree on the tracks in Etterbeek disrupted traffic between Brussels and Ottignies. The tree has been removed but trains will be affected for some time.
The stormy weather is also causing delays in high-speed traffic to the Netherlands, where trains are being diverted.
More showers and thunderstorms are expected later on Tuesday evening.
This article is developing.
