The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) issued a code orange strong wind warning for most of Belgium on Thursday, with gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour expected.
The predicted strong winds prompted Brussels Environment to close parks, regional woods and the Soignes Forest at 11:30 on Thursday morning. On Friday, environmental officials will lift the closures after inspecting parks and forests for tree damage.
The RMI also warns icy conditions are likely in the Ardennes region on Thursday. The combination of rainy afternoon weather and temperatures expected to drop to near or below freezing in the evening will create slippery road conditions in many places.
Related News
The recent wind and rain storms that blew through the region damaged hundreds of trees and may have weakened many more trees. Combined with soggy soil conditions, limbs and trunks are more susceptible to toppling in the strong gusts predicted for Thursday afternoon and night.
