In the Netherlands there are massive restrictions due to a violent storm. A woman was killed when a tree fell on a car. There are cancellations in air and rail traffic.
A woman died in a violent storm in the Netherlands. The 51-year-old died in Haarlem when a tree fell on a car. There are also massive restrictions on public life.
In the northern half of the country hit by storm “Poly”, rail traffic was suspended, some motorways were closed, some schools and parks were closed, and in some cities the buses remained in the depots. In many cases, the fire brigade had to move out because of fallen trees, reported the public broadcaster NOS.
Air and rail traffic severely restricted
There were extensive cancellations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Only limited air traffic is possible between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., the airport said. Delays and cancellations are to be expected. At least 400 flights were canceled.
Travelers also have to be prepared for delays and train cancellations in rail traffic. In the provinces of North Holland and Flevoland, traffic was stopped completely from 8.30 a.m., as the Dutch railways announced on their website. This must also be expected in other parts of the country. The railway advised passengers to postpone their journey if possible.
Warning for driving on the highway
The storm hit the Dutch coast in the morning with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. The weather institute KNM issued a red category warning for the provinces of North Holland, Flevoland, Friesland and the IJsselmeer area – the highest possible warning level. There were warnings about falling trees and flying objects. The traffic authorities also warned against driving on the motorways, where there have already been reports of trucks being blown over and trees falling in the lanes.
The residents of the province of North Holland received a warning in the morning. Because of “extreme weather”, the authorities called not to leave the houses and only to call the emergency services in “life-threatening situations”. The province also includes the capital Amsterdam.