Stormy start to autumn; 260 flights canceled at Schiphol

Autumn weather started in the Netherlands on Friday with a storm that triggered a code yellow warning for strong winds from meteorological institute KNMI. By 2:40 p.m. a total of 260 flights had been canceled at Schiphol airport. Due to the wind, not all of the airport's runways can be used.

The cancelations consist of 131 canceled departures and 129 canceled arrivals. The airport also reports dozens of delays on its website. Travelers are advised to check the Schiphol website or app, or with their airline before leaving for the airport.

The storm brought winds between 75 and 90 kilometers with it. There is a good chance of storm damage - many trees still have their leaves due to the nice summer weather and are therefore at extra risk of being blown over. Rijkswaterstaat warned motorists on Twitter to take note of the weather and adjust their driving behavior accordingly.

More winds and rain are expected on Friday evening, starting in the west of the country and moving eastward, according to KNMI. Saturday will be less windy, but still rainy. Maximums around 17 degrees are expected.

Sunday is the start of astronomical autumn - then the sun is directly above the equator and day and night will be equally long everywhere on earth. There is also a chance of storms in the Netherlands on Sunday, though the weather models are still uncertain about that.