Severe thunderstorm alerts were declared on Sunday by the Royal Meteorological Institute for parts of Belgium.
In the provinces of Liège, Luxembourg, Namur, and Limburg, an orange alert was issued, indicating serious storm conditions. For all other areas, except the Coast expected to remain unaffected, a yellow alert remains active.
These violent thunderstorms could bring up to 20 to 40 litres of rain per square metre in an hour, and even more in some areas. In addition to heavy rain, large hailstones of up to 4 or 5 centimetres in diameter and wind gusts potentially reaching 90 km/h may also be seen in some parts of the country. These severe conditions could cause substantial damage.
From 1pm to 1am, the entire country, with the exception of West Flanders, is under a yellow alert. Meanwhile, the provinces of Luxembourg, Liège, Namur, and Limburg will be under an orange alert from 1pm to 7pm.
According to the Institute, there is potential for other provinces to be upgraded to orange alerts or for the warning period to be extended. Even in the west, where the risk is currently lower, heavy showers are still possible.
Impact in Brussels
Brussels' parks and regional forests, including the Sonian Forest (Forêt de Soignes), will be closed to the public on Sunday from 12pm, according to a statement issued on Saturday evening by Brussels Environment. The restriction will remain in effect until Monday morning. Notices of these measures will be posted at the entrances of the public spaces concerned.
Brussels Environment advises avoiding travel near trees throughout the regional territory. Inspection, cleaning, and other security measures will take place as soon as the alert ends, before the green spaces reopen.
