Due to storm Goretti, Brussels has been under the full force of the wind since early morning. With gusts locally reaching 90 km/h, the Brussels emergency services have already responded to more than a hundred incidents involving damaged roofs or threatening objects on the public highway. Surface streetcar traffic remains tricky due to debris carried by the gusts onto the rails.
Despite this tense situation, crisis management has limited human damage, and no injuries have been reported to date. However, it is advisable to limit unnecessary travel as long as the yellow alert issued by the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI ) remains in force. Caution therefore remains essential for all commuters. Situation update.
An initial assessment of the material damage caused by the strong gusts, and the STIB network under surveillance.
Since this morning, emergency crews have been noting an accumulation of damage to street furniture and private infrastructure in Brussels. The force of the wind caused several scaffolding structures to collapse and roof tiles to fall in the city’s historic districts. The wind also caused local disruption to the STIB network (bus lines diverted, streetcar 44 replaced…).
Parks and public spaces remain inaccessible to avoid accidents caused by unforeseen falling branches. The municipality’s technical services are working hard to clear congested roads, but further work is expected before the end of the day. Vigilance remains the order of the day for all citizens, who must make their balconies and terraces safe.
Weather forecast: falling temperatures and a return to calm
The episode of strong winds should gradually subside during the evening, giving way to more wintry weather in Brussels. As a result, rain showers could give way to melting snow, with a marked drop in the thermometer from next night. This meteorological transition heralds a stabilization of the general situation, although the risk of icy conditions will become the main focus of attention.
What’s more, experts are predicting a return to normal conditions by Saturday, allowing activities to resume in full. The passage of Storm Goretti is therefore drawing to a close, but caution remains essential in view of the expected cooling. Finally, the emergency services should be able to take a breather after a day of intense mobilization across France.