Storm warning escalated to code orange in Western Netherlands

Meteorological institute KNMI issued a code orange weather warning for heavy rain and flooding for the western parts of the Netherlands. This code orange comes on top of the code yellow warning of thunder storms already in effect for the entire country.

The code orange warning covers Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland and Utrecht and is in effect until 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. "Chance of flooding because of heavy rainfall. Take measures to prevent water damage. Adjust your driving behavior. Follow weather reports and warnings", the KNMI writes.

The rainfall already caused problems in the Randstad during morning rush hour today. In Zuid-Holland many streets and parts of highways were closed down due to flooding, according to broadcaster NOS. In Rotterdam some 26 millimeters of rain fell in 20 minutes. One man was killed, seemingly electrocuted.

On the A28 near De Uithof two lanes were closed in both directions due to water on the road. The same happened on the A4 at Leidschendam in the direction of Amsterdam. A 27 kilometer traffic jam on the A1 between Hoevelaken and Muiden took the prize for longest traffic jam at 8:30 this morning. The jam was caused by a broken truck and water on the road.