As had been forecast, a front bringing snow is sweeping across the country this Wednesday morning. The snow caused long tailbacks on the region’s roads with the Flemish Traffic Centre reporting tailbacks totaling 800km on Flemish motorways and highways. Weather-related issues in the Netherlands mean that international rail services between Belgium and our northern neighbour are terminating at the border.
It was an arduous drive to work for many on Wednesday morning. In areas west of Brussels snow started falling before and during the morning rush hour. By 8am the snow had already reached the capital. At the height of the morning rush hour there were tailbacks totaling 800km on Flemish motorways and highways.
VRT News’ traffic expert Hajo Beeckman "These are really traffic jams as it is less busy on the roazds than otherwise would be the case. This is slow-moving traffic caused by drivers modifying their speed because of the snow”.
Public transport
The wintery weather has caused disruption to public transport in some areas. On the railways the rail operator NMBS reports that weather-related delays to domestic rail service are limited. However, issues in the Netherlands mean that cross-border services between Belgium and our northern neighbour mean that all services between Belgium and the Netherlands are terminating at the border.
The Flemish public transport company De Lijn reports disruption to services in the Flemish Ardennes, in the south of East Flanders.
KMI extends Code Yellow warning for slippery conditions
The Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) has extended its Code Yellow warning for slippery conditions on the roads and under foot until 7am on Thursday. In addition to Wednesday morning’s snow, more snow showers are expected on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
These could fall as sleet in the west. Ice could form on roads cycle paths and pavements, practically in central and eastern areas of the country. The risk of ice forming in the west is lower as temperature will be slightly higher there than elsewhere.