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Belgium Hit by Severe Thunderstorms with Giant Hailstones
Belgium experienced severe weather on the night of May 30-31, 2026, with thunderstorms producing hailstones as large as ping-pong balls. The storms caused significant damage to cars, greenhouses, and garden furniture, according to Belgian media reports. The European severe weather patterns are becoming more frequent.
Hailstones Up to 5 Centimeters
In several locations, hailstones reached a diameter of approximately 5 centimeters (2 inches). The Belgian public broadcaster VRT reported that the hailstones caused widespread damage, smashing windows and denting vehicles. In the province of Namur, residents were caught off guard by rapidly rising water levels. The French-language broadcaster RTBF reported that some people became trapped on their roofs due to the flooding. In the village of Onoz, near Charleroi, mudflows occurred as a result of the heavy rainfall.
Emergency Services Overwhelmed
Emergency services received more than 300 calls for assistance. "This is something I have rarely experienced," said police chief Marc Gilbert to VRT, referring to the scale of the storm. The 2026 European storm season has been particularly active.
Festivalgoers Injured
Visitors to a dance festival were caught in the heavy rain and hail. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, several people sustained minor injuries from the large hailstones falling from the sky. The festival was evacuated as a precaution.
Weather Warnings Issued
The Belgian weather service KMI had issued an orange code warning for the region due to the potential for severe thunderstorms. In the Dutch provinces of Limburg and North Brabant, a yellow code warning was in effect from the previous evening, which was lifted at 7:00 AM on May 31. The Netherlands weather warnings system is closely coordinated with Belgium.
Impact and Aftermath
The storm caused localized flooding, power outages, and damage to infrastructure. Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage. Climate experts note that such extreme weather events are becoming more common. "The intensity of these storms is consistent with what we expect from a warming climate," said a meteorologist from the Royal Meteorological Institute.
FAQ
How large were the hailstones in Belgium?
The hailstones reached up to 5 centimeters in diameter, about the size of ping-pong balls.
What areas were affected?
The provinces of Namur, Charleroi, and surrounding regions were hardest hit.
Were there any injuries?
Several festivalgoers suffered minor injuries from hail, but no serious casualties have been reported.
What warnings were issued?
KMI issued an orange code warning for severe thunderstorms in Belgium.
Is this weather linked to climate change?
Meteorologists indicate that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Sources
Information for this article was sourced from VRT, Het Laatste Nieuws, and RTBF.
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