Storm Brings Early Train Problems

The NS announced the cancellation of all trains north of the Amsterdam-Zwolle line beginning at 14:00 today. The Arriva train service running in the northern Netherlands has also been suspended. The train transportation companies each noted the weather as the cause of the cancellations, and the safety issues that are expected when sustained high winds occur. The entire country is under a storm watch issued by the KNMI. The northern part of the Netherlands is under a Code Red warning until at least 18:00. "Storms can cause trees to fall on the track, and damage overhead wires, which is a safety risk for passengers and crew," the NS said on its website today. "Unfortunately, it is not yet clear when the rail traffic can be resumed. We advise our passengers to seek alternatives or postpone their journeys." Until further notice, the NS has halted the following lines:

• Amsterdam - Haarlem
• Amsterdam - Zaandam - Alkmaar - Den Helder/Hoorn - Enkhuizen
• Zandvoort aan Zee/Haarlem - Alkmaar - Den Helder
• Zwolle - Leeuwarden/Groningen
• Leeuwarden - Stavoren/Harlingen
• Leeuwarden – Groningen
• Groningen - Roodeschool/Delfzijl/Veendam/Nieuweschans/Leer

Meanwhile, the Arriva train lines running in the north of the Netherlands has also been cancelled. The company told AD they cancelled the trains on the advice of ProRail, the government agency responsible for the railway infrastructure. Aside from these lines, the NS also warns passengers that the rest of the country's railways may also be affected by adverse weather. Those travelling by car, bicycle and airplane have also been cautioned.