First snow falls in Belgium

The first snowflakes in Belgium were forecast for Wednesday in the higher parts of the country, and they did not take long to arrive. Later in the day, snow fell in many other regions. 

While most the first snow that fell in the east of the country melted quickly, a thin layer covered the higher areas. Wednesday afternoon saw some slips and collisions on the Route des Fagnes (N86) between Marche-en-Famenne and Aywaille.

Showers of rain, sleet and snow fell in many places later in the day. A small blanket of snow may form in high and even central Belgium. The Royal Meteorological Institute warned of slippery conditions on Wednesday evening and during the night.

Code yellow

Towards the end of the night, the clouds will clear and temperatures will quickly drop a few degrees. Ice patches may form in many places due to the freezing of wet roads. Until around 9.00 on Thursday morning, a code yellow warning for caution will be in force in all provinces except West Flanders. 

The Flemish Roads and Traffic Service also started its annual winter service on Wednesday night. "It is the first winter rush with gritting operations at night," the agency said on Wednesday evening.

"The gritting vehicles and cycle path spreaders are ready to ensure the safety of road users on motorways, regional roads and cycle paths," said Flemish Mobility minister Annick De Ridder.

^{Illustrative image © BELGA PHOTO KRISTOF VAN ACCOM}