Belgian authorities issued urgent warnings as winter storm conditions approach, leading to the activation of emergency services and public advisories. The Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (IRM) has announced severe weather predictions for the night, prompting the Federal Public Service (SPF) Interior to activate emergency number 1722. This service is designated for cases of storm damage or water-related emergencies when lives are not at risk.
According to the SPF Interior, "The electronic counter 1722.be is the most direct way to request the help of firefighters." On Saturday afternoon, as the storm approached, officials emphasized the importance of using this number to report situations like property damage or flooding without posing immediate threats to life. For emergency situations where lives are endangered, the public is reminded to use the number 112.
The meteorological forecasts indicate significant winter weather arriving from midnight onwards, especially poised to affect the southern regions of Belgium, including Wallonia and the provinces of Liège and Luxembourg. IRM provided warnings about mixed precipitation, predicting initial snowfall of 1 to 4 centimeters, which may transition to freezing rain. A statement from the IRM noted, "Precipitation will fall intermittently, with snowfall accumulating to 1 to 4 cm and possibly turning to freezing rain."
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate as the storm progresses. The regional road action cell has advised all road users to avoid unnecessary travel until early Sunday morning. It stated, "It is recommended for all users to avoid unnecessary travel until early Sunday morning." The risks include icy roads and hazardous conditions, especially on highways and bridges.
With heightened vigilance, the situation on the Walloon road network will be closely monitored to enact necessary safety measures. Residents are urged to stay informed on current weather conditions and traffic updates through the appropriate channels, such as trafiroutes.wallonie.be and inforoutes.be.
Looking forward, meteorologists predict the storm will continue to affect travel and daily life, emphasizing the immutable conditions of winter weather. The IRM is set to provide updates as necessary, keeping the public informed about expected precipitation totals, which may reach levels upwards of 30 to 40 liters per square meter.
Climate experts note the urgency of these alerts. They posit, as freezing rain can lead to significant accidents, property damage, and pose public safety risks, adherence to road conditions and staying indoors during such severe weather should be prioritized. Belgian authorities continue to highlight the effectiveness of the emergency response systems already activated, reflecting on the growing necessity for preparedness as storms like this become more prevalent.
Citizens are reminded to prepare adequately as the winter weather approaches. This includes ensuring homes are equipped to deal with potential damages from storm impacts and taking precautions before heading onto the roads.
Residents are encouraged to adhere strictly to the advice of local authorities and remain vigilant as Belgium braces for the impending winter storm. The combination of snow, freezing rain, and potent winds could pose serious challenges to travel and safety.