Deinze – The Levensloop in Deinze has been postponed after Storm Amy inflicted damage on the Palaestra sports complex. Authorities delayed the event to ensure the safety of participants and secure the course, reports 24brussels.
The postponement occurred after Storm Amy struck the area on the morning of October 4, 2025, resulting in hazardous conditions. VRT News indicated that numerous trees lining the route faced the risk of toppling, prompting officials to advise the public to stay indoors and avoid areas with large trees and potential debris.
What damage did Storm Amy cause in Deinze and Petegem-aan-de-Leie?
In the nearby Petegem-aan-de-Leie, the storm caused significant destruction, including a large tree falling on the roof of the gymnasium at the Palaestra sports complex. Heavy branches penetrated the roof in multiple locations, and firefighters intervened to seal the breaches with foam rubber to prevent further damage. Structures intended for future solar panels were also affected, although there were no reported injuries. The incident did, however, result in the death of seven jackdaws.
The start of the Relay for Life, originally scheduled for earlier in the day, has been rescheduled to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, due to a large damaged tree along the route. A yellow weather warning remains in effect, with predictions of continued adverse weather conditions.
Despite the delay, officials confirmed that the opening ceremony and accompanying candlelight procession proceeded as planned, with the Relay for Life expected to conclude on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 3 p.m. Experts are set to assess the remaining tall trees in the vicinity of the Palaestra sports complex in the coming days.
Storm Amy, the first named storm of the 2025–26 European windstorm season, originated from the remnants of Hurricane Humberto on October 1, 2025. The storm rapidly intensified over the North Atlantic before making landfall in Ireland on October 3, 2025.
From 8:00 AM on October 4 to 8:00 AM on October 5, the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium issued a yellow wind warning, predicting wind gusts of 70-90 km/h across the country.
The storm led to widespread travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and power outages in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Norway. One fatality was reported, alongside power loss affecting over 200,000 homes in Ireland.