Western Europe: Adverse weather forecast over parts of eastern and southern Belgium, eastern France, and across Luxembourg through at least early May 18

Severe weather is forecast over parts of eastern and southern Belgium, eastern France, and across Luxembourg through at least early May 18. A low-pressure system and associated weather front is expected to bring heavy rainfall across the region over the coming hours. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of May 17, the respective meteorological services have issued the following weather warning across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Liege Province in Belgium, Bas-Rhin and Moselle departments in France, and across the southern half of Luxembourg.

• Orange flood warnings: River catchments in Meurthe-et-Moselle and Vosges departments in France.

• Yellow rainfall warnings: Namur, Limburg, and Luxembourg provinces in Belgium, Haut-Rhin, Meurthe-et-Moselle, and Vosges departments in France, and the northern half of Luxembourg.

• Yellow flood warnings: River catchments in Bas-Rhin and Moselle in France and across Luxembourg.

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

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancelations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.