Europe: Adverse weather forecast across Belgium, northern and central France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Netherlands through at least March 10

Event

A combination of heavy snowfall, rainfall, and strong winds are forecast across Belgium, northern and central France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Netherlands through at least March 10. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. Thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning and hail.

As of early March 8, the various national authorities have issued the following weather warnings:

• Red (highest level on a three-tier scale) strong wind warnings: far southern Baden-Wurttemberg and far southern Bavaria states in Germany

• Orange strong wind warnings: the rest of southern Germany

• Orange snow warnings: eastern Belgium, far northern France, western Germany, and southern Netherlands

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: far western Germany

• Yellow strong wind, snow, and heavy rainfall warnings: the rest of the affected area

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding may occur. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in colder areas and at higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow could make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations in coastal areas if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Meteo Alarm
Belgium Royal Meteorological Institute
Meteo-France
Deutscher Wetterdienst
MeteoLux
Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute