The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms in the province of Liège, Belgium, scheduled between 12:00 and 21:00 on Monday.
The warning comes as the RMI forecasts intense thunderstorms, with the potential for heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds in the region.
Other parts of the country may also experience thunderstorms, although the alert is particularly focused on the eastern province.
The RMI’s forecast indicates that rainfall in Liège could exceed 20 litres per square metre over a six-hour period. The potential for hail and strong winds also increases the risk of localized damage.
With these conditions expected, the Ministry of Interior has activated the non-emergency number 1722 to assist residents dealing with storm-related damage that requires firefighter intervention but does not pose an immediate threat to life.
Activation of Non-Emergency Number 1722
In response to the severe weather alert, the Ministry of Interior is urging residents to utilize the 1722 number for non-life-threatening incidents related to the storms.
These incidents may include water damage or minor storm damage to properties that require assistance from firefighters but do not involve imminent danger.
Requests for firefighter intervention can be submitted either through the dedicated online portal at www.1722.be or by directly calling the 1722 hotline.
This measure is aimed at easing the burden on the emergency services hotline, 112, which is reserved for situations where there is an immediate danger to life or public safety.
According to the Ministry, examples of situations that should prompt a call to the 112 emergency number include risks of building collapse, public safety threats, fire hazards, or any incident that involves injuries.
By distinguishing between life-threatening and non-urgent situations, authorities hope to streamline the emergency response process during the anticipated storms.
Thunderstorms Across Belgium
Although the yellow alert is specifically focused on Liège, the RMI warns that thunderstorms are possible throughout the rest of Belgium on Monday.
However, the intensity of the storms is expected to be more severe in the eastern region.
The RMI’s yellow alert system is part of Belgium’s tiered weather warning framework, with yellow indicating a moderate level of danger that requires heightened awareness.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated on the weather conditions and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties from potential storm-related damage.
Recommendations for Residents
Local authorities are urging residents in Liège and other areas that may experience thunderstorms to secure outdoor objects that could be blown away by strong winds and to ensure that their homes are adequately protected against heavy rainfall.
Motorists are also advised to exercise caution when driving, as wet roads and reduced visibility could increase the risk of accidents.
For ongoing updates, residents are encouraged to monitor announcements from the RMI and the Ministry of Interior.
The non-emergency number 1722 will remain active throughout the storm period, and authorities are on standby to respond to any storm-related incidents.
As Belgium braces for another bout of severe weather, the coordination between meteorological services, emergency responders, and the public will be critical in ensuring that the country weathers the storms safely.
