Train services reduced and parks closed in preparation for storm Ciarán

No trains will run between Bruges and the coast on Thursday due to the arrival of storm Ciarán, according to railway infrastructure manager Infrabel. Speeds will be restricted to 80 km/h on the entire rail network and to 160 km/h on high-speed lines.

Infrabel is "taking measures to ensure the safety of rail traffic" in preparation for the storm, which is expected to reach speeds of up to 110 km/h in West Flanders. "The intention is to lift this speed restriction from 18.00 on Thursday evening, if weather conditions allow," the company announced.

West Flanders also announced that all provincial areas in the province would be closed from 18.00 on Wednesday. In the city of Antwerp, all parks and cemeteries will be closed, while in Brussels, the Sonian Forest and regional parks, nature reserves and forests will be closed from Wednesday evening.

Storm Ciarán is expected to bring wind gusts of between 90 and 110 km/h in West Flanders on Thursday, and between 70 and 100 km/h in the rest of Belgium. The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) warns that such gusts can cause damage, so "it is advisable to be very careful".

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