Storm damage cleanup begins, Some trains delayed

By Janene Pieters on Wednesday, 18 November 2015 - 08:35
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Storm damage in Wijchen - tent ends up in tree - Nov 18th, 2015 (Photo: @123456henk/Twitter)Storm damage in Wijchen - tent ends up in tree - Nov 18th, 2015 (Photo: @123456henk/Twitter)

Fire departments across the Netherlands are under pressure with all the reports of damage caused by the massive storm that hit the country in the early hours of Wednesday morning. At one point the KNMI scaled the weather warning for strong winds up to orange.

Emergency services dealt with numerous fallen trees, fences and scaffolding, according to NU. In Etten Leur a large roof canopy got loose and ended up in the Made and a large gate ended up on the road. In Wijchen a large portion of scaffolding standing in front of a house blew down. In Noordlaren, Groningen a massive tree fell on a moving car, the motorist escaped with only minor injuries.

The storm and the damage it caused is also affecting train traffic. NS decided to run fewer trains between Zaandam and Den Helder due to the weather conditions. Fewer trains are also running between Enschede and Almelo due to an obstruction on the tracks. Travelers should take extra travel time of up to an hour into account.

The strong winds caused a number of problems in rush hour traffic on Wednesday morning. On the A28 towards Zwolle a truck carrying a cargo of pig fat was involved in an accident, spilling its load across the highway, AD reports. This resulted in a slick roadway that has to be cleaned carefully. Several lanes are closed. Another accident involving a truck happened on the A67 towards Turnhout, near the Leenderheide junction. The truck ended up in a ditch and caused a traffic jam of about 10 kilomters long.

The strong winds should calm down somewhat during the afternoon, but pick up again considerably by evening rush hour. The KNMI already issued a code yellow weather warning for strong winds along the coast and in IJsselmeer for tonight, and expects more strong winds across the country on Thursday

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