Meeting of the "extreme weather" Crisis Cell

MeteoLux forecasts that during the afternoon of Friday 18 February (3pm to 7pm) strong winds will cross the country. During this passage, strong gusts of 100 - 110 km/h are expected for one to two hours. Occasionally, gusts of wind above 110 km/h cannot be excluded.

In view of the current weather forecast, it is possible that a change to the red alert level will be necessary during the day. For this reason, a "extreme weather" Crisis Cell met this morning at 9am under the chairmanship of the Minister of Home Affairs, Taina Bofferding, in order to analyse the situation and to prepare and coordinate actions for the coming hours.

For prevention and anticipation purposes, the Crisis Cell decided to alert the population through various channels, in particular by launching a Gouvalert alert.

It is important to remember the following possible consequences and behavioural advice:

Possible consequences:

• Breaking of tree branches;
• Some fallen trees;
• Damaged roofs and chimneys;
• Slightly offset vehicles on the roads;
• Localised disrupted road traffic, in particular in wooded areas.

Behavioural advice:

• Limit your journeys;
• Limit your speed on the road, especially if the vehicle or trailer you are driving  may be affected by the wind;
• Do not walk in the forest;
• In towns, be careful of falling objects;
• Store or secure any objects liable to be blown around or damaged, for example garden furniture, parasols, etc.;
• On no account go onto a roof.
• Secure construction sites;
• Follow the instructions of the authorities (e.g. diversions)
• Increased vigilance.

The population is asked to follow closely the evolution of the situation with the official sources, www.meteolux.lu, www.infocrise.lu, @infocriseLU, @CGDISlux, as well as the national media.

The teams on the ground have increased their number of staff and are prepared.

The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Information and Press ServiceParticipants : Ministry of Home Affairs, CGDIS, High Commission for National Protection, National Roads Administration, Army, Creos, MeteoLux, Grand Ducal Police, Crisis Communication Service, Information and Press Service.

Press release by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Office of the High Commissioner for National Protection and the Crisis Communication Service