Belgium, Netherlands: Adverse weather forecast across the region, July 9

Thunderstorms are forecast across much of Belgium and the Netherlands during the afternoon and evening July 9. Heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. The Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has issued orange (the middle level on a three-tier scale) thunderstorm warnings across the country through late July 9. Belgium's Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings across Antwerp, Flemish Brabant, Hainaut, Limburg, Namur, and Walloon Brabant provinces and Brussels Capital Region, as well as yellow warnings across East Flanders and Liege provinces. Authorities may issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

The storms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across the affected areas. 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 located 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

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

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. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the North Sea coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see 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.