The Flemish Waterway has warned of a storm tide in the Scheldt valley on Sunday night into Monday as Storm Boelo pushes water levels higher in the Scheldt estuary.
High tide is expected to reach Antwerp at 3:15 with a forecast level of 6.65 metres. In Temse, levels are expected to reach 6.80 metres at about 4:02, followed by 6.75 metres in Dendermonde at around 4:47 and 6.56 metres in Melle at about 6:27.
The agency stressed that these are forecasts and that both water levels and timings may still change. The latest updates are available via Waterinfo.
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The risk of flooding has been reduced by the Sigma Plan, a Flemish government project designed to protect the Scheldt and its tributaries. A series of controlled flood areas along the river system acts as temporary water storage when river levels rise.
Once the water reaches a certain height, it flows over a lowered overflow dyke into these flood zones. A surrounding ring dyke protects nearby areas, while the temporary storage helps weaken the high-water wave and ease pressure on the river system.
According to the Flemish Waterway, the controlled flood areas expected to come into operation are Tielrodebroek in Temse, De Bunt, Lippenbroek and Wal-Zwijn in Hamme, Vlassenbroek Noord and Uiterdijk in Dendermonde, Scheldebroek in Berlare, Paardeweide and Bergenmeersen in Wichelen, Potpolder 1 in Waasmunster, Bovenzanden in Heindonk, Zennegat in Mechelen, and Anderstadt and Polder in Lier.
These areas are expected to temporarily absorb excess river water. During the storm tide, they will be closed to visitors, along with the overflow dykes and affected walking and cycling paths.
The closures are necessary for safety, as water may flow over the dykes and paths may be flooded. The Flemish Waterway has urged walkers, cyclists and other visitors to obey all signs and barriers, not to go beyond the barricades, and not to enter the areas to watch the high water.
The restricted zones will reopen only when it is safe to do so.
