Thunderstorms cause widespread flooding; more rain expected

By Janene Pieters on June 2, 2016 - 07:45
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Flooded streets in Asten, Brabant, 1 June 2016 (Photo: @dennisvdkolk/Twitter). (Flooded streets in Asten, Brabant, 1 June 2016 (Photo: @dennisvdkolk/Twitter))

Meteorological institute KNMI issued a code yellow warning for thunderstorms in the Netherlands for the sixth day in a row on Thursday. The storms are expected to hit the eastern parts of the country during the afternoon and evening.

The code yellow warning applies to the provinces Noord-Brabant, Limburg, Gelderland, Drenthe, Groningen and Overijssel. It'll be in effect between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

According to the KNMI, the storms will be accompanied by strong wind and heavy rains, between 30 and 40 mm/hour. There is also chance of lightning strikes. "Avoid open waters and open areas, do not take shelter under trees. Follow weather reports and warnings", the institute writes.

The A74 highway from Germany in the direction of Venlo will be closed all Thursday due toe flooding, according to traffic service VID.

The heavy rains over this past week already caused quite a bit of trouble in the country, especially in the northern parts of Limburg and the eastern parts of Noord-Brabant on Wednesday night.

A party center in the Brabant town of Geldrop was completely under water after last night's rain. And in Asten Someren, Deurne and Maarheeze numerous streets and basements flooded, according to Omroep Brabant.

Weather service Weeronline reports that the strip between Asten and Venray had 70 to 80 millimeters of rain in a short time - more than the usual average for the entire June.

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