Due to the expected storm, various safety measures will be implemented in Ostend from Friday, October 23rd, at 1:00 PM until Saturday, October 24th, at 2:00 AM. The Oktoberfoor (October Fair) cannot open on Friday, and Sportpark De Schorre will be inaccessible to outdoor athletes and walkers for the entire day. Sports clubs using the park will be informed directly.
Toerisme Oostende (Ostend Tourism) is modifying the walking route for the 'Volle Maan' (Full Moon) event to ensure it does not pass through the Leopoldpark in the coming days. Activities planned for the 'Dag van de Jeugdbeweging' (Youth Movement Day) will be moved indoors. The planned morning activity at Stationsplein (Station Square) for youth movements will relocate to 't Bosjoenk, and the party scheduled in a tent at Sportpark De Schorre will be moved to the Coretec Dome.
Contractors with construction sites in Ostend are requested to secure scaffolding and loose materials properly and to release construction cranes (so they can turn with the wind). Residents are advised not to walk in parks and forests, to secure loose items on terraces or in gardens, or bring them inside, and to stay away from the Strekdammen (Strengthening Dams) and the Staketsel (Pier), which will be closed as a precaution.
The emergency number 1722 is active for fire brigade assistance with storm damage where no one is potentially in danger. Fire brigade help can preferably be requested via the e-counter at 1722.be. For urgent, life-threatening situations, 112 remains the number to call.
The KMI expects storm force (9 Beaufort) to severe storm force (10 Beaufort) at sea, with winds from the southwest and later from the west to northwest. On the coast, the KMI anticipates wind force 6 to 8, and elsewhere 5 to 7 Beaufort. Gusts are expected to reach 80 to 100 km per hour, and possibly more on the coast.
