On Wednesday the Belgian Met Office issued an amber weather warning for wind in West Flanders Province as Storm Ciarán reaches our climes. On Thursday the amber warning was extended to East Flanders Province and Hainaut. Train traffic between Bruges and coastal stations will also be halted. A yellow warning applies in other Belgian provinces. Out west gusts of up to 110km/h are forecast.
Storm Ciarán: amber weather warning in West Flanders extended to East Flanders
Colin Clapson
Published:
Updated:
“This could be a very heavy storm” says weatherman Bram Verbruggen. Weathermen from various European countries are following the storm’s development”.
The eye of the storm is expected to reach south western England and the western coast of France. Belgium too should look out. “There will be a sunny start to the day but in the later course of the day expect rain in western parts. Out east it will remain largely sunny and dry”.
Rail track operator Infrabel has announced the suspension of all rail services between coastal stations and provincial capital Bruges on Thursday. Services between De Panne and Lichtervelde and Kortrijk and Poperinge are also cancelled. Elsewhere a speed restriction of 80km/h will be in force; 160km/h for high speed services.
Parks and woodlands are being closed as a precaution. The amber warning in West Flanders applies from 7AM to 9PM. The yellow warning for other parts is valid from 4AM to 11PM.
Gusts could reach 90km/h out east, 100km/h in central parts and 110km/h in the West Country. Even stronger gusts may be anticipated during torrential showers.
The Met Office warns gusts may lead to material damage and is urging caution.