The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has activated the 1722 number for non-emergency fire brigade calls and has issued a heavy rainfall warning across most of Wallonia and an orange alert for the Luxembourg province from 22:00 on Monday.
The institute predicts heavy rainfall in the southern part of the country until at least Friday. Areas south of the Sambre and Meuse strip could see up to 25 litres per square metre (l/m²) falling within 24 hours, according to the RMI. Levels may even exceed 50 l/m² in the Luxembourg province, possibly reaching up to 70 l/m² within 24 hours, warranting the orange alert.
Rainfall totals are expected to range from 70 l/m² to over 130 l/m² in certain areas over 96 hours.
Elsewhere in Wallonia, rainfall could exceed 50 l/m² in the Namur province and in the Liège province, and more than 100 l/m² in southern Namur and the Liège hills. In Hainaut, rainfall is expected to approach or exceed levels of 50, 70 or potentially 80 l/m². Other regions are predicted to see between 30 and 60 l/m² by the end of the week.
No alerts have been issued by the Walloon Public Service for rivers, but it has cautioned that the situation can change rapidly, particularly in the Luxembourg province.
The RMI is also closely monitoring West Flanders, due to anticipated heavy rainfall in France which could affect the province's waterways.
The purpose of 1722 is to prevent emergency numbers from being overwhelmed by calls for assistance that can wait. In the event of storm damage or water damage requiring fire brigade assistance, this number should be dialled. If a life is in danger, call 112.
