
Canceled flights, traffic problems due to strong winds
Strong winds are blowing in the Netherlands on Monday morning, with gusts up to 90 kilometers per hour inland and 100 kilometers per hour along the coast. Meteorological institute KNMI issued a code yellow weather warning for the entire country. The winds are already causing problems in all forms of traffic.
KLM canceled 72 flights within Europe on Monday, a spokesperson said to NU.nl. This was done as a precaution, to make sure that all international flights can happen. Schiphol also warns that the winds may cause delays or cancelations. Travelers are advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
The wind is also affecting traffic on the roads. On the A4, a matrix board is hanging loose at the Benelux tunnel. The left tunnel tube heading south is closed, the Telegraaf reports. Trees also blew over onto the A29. According to the ANWB, the right lane is closed. And a truck lost its cargo on the A2 towards Utrecht, near Vinkenveen. Three lanes are closed.
On the rails, NS is dealing with at least two weather-related disruptions. The train schedule between Dordrecht and Breda is adjusted due to strong winds on the high-speed line. Travelers are advised to take up to 15 minutes extra travel time into account. And no trains are running on the high speed line between Rotterdam Central Station and Breda due to the wind. This will last until at least 8:30 a.m., according to the rail company. Train traffic is also disrupted between Roosendaal and Dordrecht, though the cause of this issue is not yet known.
According to the KNMI, the winds should quiet down during the course of the morning, starting in the south of the country. The code yellow warning is in effect until 11:00 a.m. in Limburg, and until 3:00 p.m. in Groningen.