Belgium is bracing for severe winter weather as the Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) issues multiple warnings for snowfall and icy conditions across the country. Starting Saturday evening and continuing through Sunday morning, regions, particularly the provinces of Liège and Luxembourg, are on high alert for hazardous conditions on the roads.
Starting at 11 PM Saturday, the IRM announced an orange alert for slippery conditions due to the anticipated active weather system moving through from the southwest. "Attention, par endroit, les chaussées pourraient se transformer en véritables patinoires," cautioned RTL informacion journalist Michael Menten, highlighting the danger as roadways may turn treacherous.
The impending storm is expected to bring initial snowfall of 1-4 cm, followed by rain, which may be freezing, particularly affecting the southern provinces. North of the Sambre and Meuse valley, the risk of icy roads remains, but conditions will temporarily consist mainly of melting snow.
According to the IRM, "Entre ce samedi minuit et lundi matin, les précipitations seront par moments assez marquées et l'on pourra localement relever 30 à 40 l/m².“ This indicates both heavy snowfall and significant rainfall, with potential for localized flooding.
The situation on the Walloon road networks has prompted the activation of the Wallonia Road Action Cell (CAR). Officials insist it is best to avoid unnecessary travel until Sunday morning, advising motorists to remain extremely cautious on highway access ramps and exposed areas like bridges.
Separately, the Belgian interior ministry has announced the activation of the 1722 emergency number for people needing assistance as the storm may cause damage. Residents are encouraged to use this service for non-life-threatening situations related to storm damage, which allows first responders to prioritize emergent life-threatening situations via the 112 number.
The weather will continue to fluctuate, with initial cold spells followed by milder conditions earlier next week. By Saturday night, temperatures are expected to rise to around 2-3 degrees Celsius along the coast, leading to mixed conditions with continued rain and potential freezing.
On Sunday, temperatures may reach up to 12 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to the thawing of any accumulated snow. The IRM warns, though conditions may improve, there is still the possibility of snow or melting snow returning later as winter weather persists throughout the week.
Monitoring on the roads will continue throughout the snowfall and rain, with regular updates providing the public with safety information and reports on travel conditions. With it being winter seasons, it’s important for all residents to stay tuned to official information and heed warnings from the IRM and local authorities.
People are urged to be prepared for any potential changes to community services or road conditions as the storm develops, as Belgium navigates through this winter weather event. Adapting travel plans and staying informed can help mitigate risks associated with such severe weather.
With continued updates from meteorologists, the IRM will maintain vigilant reporting, ensuring safety measures are enforced throughout all impacted areas over the days to come. The community are reminded to stay warm, safe, and to always be attentive to weather advisories during the winter.