That was enough to shut down transport, commerce and even government offices.
More than 3.1 million people were without power, and normal life was suspended for about 60 million people as authorities shut down transport services, closed schools and ordered evacuations.
Anxious inhabitants of the Belgian capital had hoped for a respite from the lockdown that has seen shops, schools and offices shut, public transport restricted, museums and theatres closed, seasonal markets cancelled, and thousands of armed police and soldiers in the streets.
At 7pm, all the markets shut and transport stops".
Cyber-attacks, meanwhile, could shut down transport infrastructure, hospitals, media and utilities.
Nine US states declared a state of emergency, shutting down transport systems and schools and ordering residents of low-lying areas to head for higher ground.
Typhoon Jelawat made landfall on Sunday, bringing torrential rain, shutting down transport and cutting off electricity supplies.
In 2009, Melbourne endured three consecutive days of temperatures above 43°C culminating at 45.1°C shutting down transport and the electricity systems, resulting in 374 excess deaths or a 62% increase in total all-cause mortality (16).
The device folds shut for easy transport, and an optional carrying case is also available.
With his eyes half shut in a transport of musical inspiration, he embraced, stroked and thumped the unhinged door.
