The Belgian met office has announced a code yellow weather warning for wind on the coast from 8 AM this morning. Strong winds of about 7 Beaufort are expected there, with gusts of 80 kilometres per hour. Tonight, a code yellow warning for a storm tide will apply, as high-water levels of 5.70 metres are expected. The city of Antwerp will close the flood gates on the Scheldt quays. The 1722 helpline has been activated for people needing assistance from the fire brigade in case of storm or water damage, when the situation is not life-threatening. For any threat to life please use 112.
Britain and the Netherlands will bear the brunt of Storm Pia but the storm will also make itself felt on the Flemish coast. Gusts over 80 kilometres/hour are also possible inland, but then rather localised.
In the Netherlands and much of Britain, storm Pia will be more severe, with wind gusts exceeding 100 kilometres per hour. Schiphol Airport outside Amsterdam has already announced that a lot of flights will be cancelled or delayed. The airport advises travellers to keep a close eye on its website for more information.
The federal government has activated the 1722 number for people in need of non-life-threatening assistance. People needing assistance from the fire brigade for storm or water damage can call 1722. This will keep the emergency number 112 free for people in a life-threatening situation.
Code yellow for storm tide
From Thursday evening, the met office has also issued a code yellow warning for a storm tide. High tides of 5.7 metres are expected, especially in the resort of Ostend (West Flanders). Code yellow, means the met office advises extra vigilance on coastal quays and dykes.
Antwerp floodgate closes tonight at 9pm
Meanwhile, the city of Antwerp has announced that it will close the floodgates on the Scheldt quays tonight. Anyone who parked their car there had better remove it in time.
The gates will close at 9pm, two hours before the expected peak of Storm Pia. Everything will reopen on Friday morning. The city strongly advises against crossing the flood wall on foot during or immediately after the high tide.