Brussels, Belgium – Unanticipated snowfall across large parts of Belgium on Tuesday morning led to significant traffic disruptions, particularly on roads leading into Brussels, where commuters faced severe delays.
By 08:50, the Flemish Traffic Centre recorded 400 km of traffic jams, an exceptional figure for this time of day.
The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) had initially issued a code yellow warning for slipperiness in the northern parts of the country on Monday, as temperatures were forecasted to drop to around freezing.
However, throughout the night, rain unexpectedly turned into snow in multiple regions of Flanders, exacerbating road conditions.
“Havoc on the Roads”
The Flemish Traffic Centre took to social media early Tuesday to alert drivers about the deteriorating situation. “Snow and slipperiness are wreaking havoc this morning rush hour: we are seeing extra traffic jams and severely delayed traffic on many routes,” the agency stated.
“A lot of skidding too! So allow plenty of time for your drive. Or even better: postpone your departure if you can.” According to reports from VRT NWS, the traffic congestion barometer had already exceeded 300 km of jams by 07:30, an unusual occurrence at that hour.
By 08:50, the congestion stretched to 400 km, with the most severe backups occurring on roads leading into Brussels, where commuters faced delays of up to 45 minutes.
In Ghent, the outer ring road was particularly affected, with reports of traffic jams lasting up to 1.5 hours due to multiple accidents. Police urged motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
Authorities Struggle to Manage the Situation
The unexpected snowfall caught road maintenance authorities off guard, with workers scrambling to clear major thoroughfares.
Several accidents were reported, further worsening the congestion. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation, prioritizing snow clearance efforts to restore traffic flow as quickly as possible.
Commuters expressed frustration over the unexpected disruptions. “I left my house 90 minutes earlier than usual, but I’m still stuck in traffic,” said a Brussels resident caught in the morning gridlock. “The roads are extremely slippery, and many cars are struggling to maintain control.”
Meanwhile, the RMI has acknowledged its failure to provide an accurate forecast in time. Meteorologist David Dehenauw issued an apology, stating that the agency had not anticipated the scale of the snowfall.
“Only early this morning were there enough elements to launch an RMI warning for slipperiness. We had not seen this coming sufficiently last night to issue a warning then. Snow was predicted locally but too little and in too few places. Sorry for the inconvenience,” Dehenauw admitted.
Conditions Expected to Improve
Despite the chaotic morning commute, meteorologists predict that the snow will begin to melt by the afternoon as temperatures rise slightly.
However, authorities warn that roads and cycle paths may remain icy for some time, posing continued risks for commuters throughout the day.
Motorists are advised to drive cautiously, allow extra travel time, and stay updated on traffic advisories to avoid further disruptions.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
