Netherlands prepares roadway crews for heavy snow this winter

Despite temperatures in the mid- to high-20's expected for this week, the Netherlands is already preparing roadway crews to deal with heavy snow this winter, BNR reports.

The gritters are filled with salt and tested and drivers are practicing for the job. "When it's winter, contractors have to have everything gritted within two hours.", according to Jan Rient Slippens of the Rijkswaterstaat. "It is always necessary days like this. It ensures that we can handle the winter from 1 October."

It also means that if the weather goes crazy and the Netherlands gets two meters of snow tonight, all will not be lost. "It is pleasant to practice everything without time pressure, so that you soon will be able to do your work in those two hours."