Brussels, 23 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels park closures are taking effect on Friday afternoon as Storm Austen approaches Belgium, bringing potentially dangerous winds, heavy rainfall and disruption across the country. Authorities have ordered public parks, cemeteries and several wooded areas to close from 1 pm to protect visitors from falling branches, unstable trees and other storm-related hazards.
The City of Brussels confirmed that its parks and cemeteries will remain closed until Monday morning, 26 October, subject to weather conditions and safety inspections. Belgium’s Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has warned that wind gusts could reach 80–90 km/h across much of the country, exceeding 100 km/h in coastal areas.
Brussels Park Closures Begin as Storm Austen Approaches
The City of Brussels announced the restrictions on Thursday, 22 October, ahead of worsening weather expected on Friday afternoon and evening.
Under the municipal decision, parks and cemeteries will close at 1 pm on 23 October. Activities and events within the affected locations are prohibited throughout the closure period.
The city has also confirmed that Bois de la Cambre will close from Friday at 1 pm until Monday at 6 am.
Separately, green spaces managed by Brussels Environment, including parks, nature reserves and the Brussels section of the Sonian Forest, are subject to access restrictions beginning at 1 pm on Friday.
The regional restrictions were initially expected to end on Saturday, depending on conditions. This differs from the City of Brussels’ longer closure period extending into Monday.
Storm Austen Brings Strong Winds and Heavy Rain to Belgium
Belgium’s Royal Meteorological Institute forecasts that Storm Austen will affect the country during Friday afternoon and evening.
The storm is expected to strengthen southerly winds before they shift towards the south-west and west.
Wind gusts could exceed 90 km/h in western Belgium and surpass 100 km/h near the coast. Elsewhere, gusts of approximately 80–90 km/h are forecast.
The meteorological institute has also warned of successive bands of rainfall, potentially producing 25–50 millimetres of precipitation over 24 hours.
Its published wind warning covers Friday afternoon into the early hours of Saturday, while the rainfall warning extends into Saturday morning.
Emergency Services Warn Residents About Storm Hazards
Brussels firefighters have urged residents to take precautions before the strongest winds arrive.
Fire brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw advised people to secure loose objects on balconies, terraces and gardens, including furniture, flowerpots and parasols.
Residents have also been advised to close windows and doors, avoid parking vehicles beneath trees and stay away from construction scaffolding.
Emergency services recommend limiting unnecessary journeys during the storm and avoiding parks, forests and streets lined with large trees.
For non-life-threatening storm damage requiring fire brigade assistance, residents can use Belgium’s 1722 service, including its online reporting platform.
The emergency number 112 remains appropriate where there is immediate danger to life or safety.
How the Storm Affects Brussels Residents and Visitors
The closures will affect people planning weekend walks, recreational activities and visits to municipal cemeteries.
Residents who regularly use wooded routes should consider alternatives and respect temporary access restrictions.
The measures also highlight the risks posed by severe autumn storms in densely populated urban areas, where falling branches and unsecured objects can threaten pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
Authorities have not confirmed that all public transport services will be disrupted. Travellers should consult individual operators for any service changes.
When Will Brussels Parks Reopen?
The City of Brussels plans to reopen parks and cemeteries progressively on Monday morning, 26 October, provided weather conditions permit and inspections identify no major safety concerns.
Brussels Environment-managed sites may reopen earlier, following assessments and any necessary clearance work.
The authorities have made clear that reopening depends on the condition of individual locations rather than the end of the weather warning alone.
Residents are encouraged to follow official municipal announcements and the Royal Meteorological Institute’s updated forecasts before visiting affected green spaces.
The immediate priority remains public safety as Storm Austen moves across Belgium.
