Weather warnings were issued across Belgium on Thursday as Storm Benjamin brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread disruptions and safety measures throughout the country.
According to the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI), wind speeds were expected to reach between 70 and 100 km/h inland, and up to 120 km/h along the coast. Meteorologists forecasted a period of intense precipitation during the afternoon, prompting yellow and orange weather warnings.
On Thursday morning, the RMI also issued a high tide warning for the provinces of Antwerp and East Flanders, effective from around 5.00pm until Friday morning. While not deemed “exceptional,” the storm could be the most intense since Storm Ciarán in 2023, when winds reached 112 km/h in Zeebrugge, said RMI meteorologist Pascal Mormal.
Parks and Cemeteries Closed
In Brussels, authorities closed all green spaces, parks, and cemeteries managed by Brussels Environment from 10.00am as a precaution. The city experienced tragedy last July when a falling branch during a storm killed a baby in Uccle, prompting tighter safety measures this time.
The Bois de la Cambre and Drève de Lorraine were also closed from Thursday morning until at least Friday 6.00am, according to Brussels Mobility. The areas will reopen after safety checks if no new weather alerts are issued.
Public Transport Disruptions
The Brussels public transport operator STIB-MIVB reported several service interruptions caused by fallen trees and damaged overhead wires. Tram lines 39 and 44 were both halted, with replacement buses operating between Stockel and Ban-Eik, and between Madoux and Tervuren, respectively.
Bus line 41 was diverted as its normal route passes through Bois de la Cambre, which remains closed. “The biggest risks are local floods and trees or branches falling on tram lines,” said STIB-MIVB spokesperson Laurent Vermeersch, adding that special teams were on standby to handle emergencies.
Trains, Flights and Ferries Affected
National rail operator SNCB said most trains were running as scheduled, though passengers were advised to check the app or website for real-time updates. Trains to and from the coast were operating at reduced speeds as a precaution, according to Infrabel, Belgium’s railway network manager.
At Brussels Airport, operations continued with caution, but passengers were warned that strong winds could delay ground handling. In Antwerp, the Sint-Anna ferry was suspended, while the ferry between Bazel and Hemiksem was closed from 3.00pm due to safety concerns.
Authorities Urge Caution
Brussels Mobility spokesperson Inge Paemen urged motorists to drive carefully and avoid parking near trees. “Drivers must also be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists who may be thrown off balance by gusts of wind,” she said.
As Storm Benjamin continues to move across Belgium, authorities remain on alert, urging the public to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.
