Belgian authorities raised the wind warning level to orange in several provinces today, Friday, in preparation for the effects of Storm Austin, which is expected to bring winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall. Precautionary measures have included closing parks, reducing train speeds, and canceling outdoor activities.
The Royal Meteorological Institute stated in a statement, which the "News Video Agency" reviewed, that "the orange warning includes the provinces of West Flanders, East Flanders, and Hainaut, while other provinces remain under a yellow warning, with expectations of the storm's impacts intensifying during the afternoon and evening hours."
In the capital, Brussels, it was decided to close parks and green spaces, including the Sonian Forest, in anticipation of the risks of falling trees and branches due to the strong winds.
For their part, the railway companies (SNCB) and railway infrastructure (Infrabel) announced a reduction in train speeds along the coast, starting from 3 PM until the end of service, as part of measures taken to limit the risks posed by the storm.
In this context, the coastal municipality of Knokke-Heist closed several nature reserves, parks, and playgrounds, canceled outdoor sports activities, and moved some events indoors.
Fire services urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, secure items on balconies and in gardens, and keep away from trees and scaffolding, noting that the number 1722 has been activated for reporting damage caused by storms and floods that do not pose a direct threat to life, while the number 112 is designated for emergencies that threaten the safety of individuals.