Dutch weather alert intensifies: Flights, trains cancelled, drivers warned

The KNMI has changed storm warnings to code orange for Sunday night in the coastal provinces due to heavy wind gusts. Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, Zeeland and the IJsselmeer area are all included in the alert.

In the western coastal provinces and IJsselmeer region, strong gusts of wind will reach up to 100 to 120 kilometers per hour between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., according to the KNMI. In inland provinces, the wind could reach around 100 kilometers per hour during rain showers.

The strong winds will again hinder transportation. Schiphol Airport has canceled 59 departures and 61 arrivals. In an air traffic network update at 12:41 p.m., Eurocontrol warned that at Schiphol, “Arrivals are regulated due to weather (strong wind).” Moderate delays are expected, according to the update.

Eindhoven Airport is showing no major problems now but posted a statement on its website warning that delays, diversions and cancelations could occur due to strong winds. The NS is also adjusting its timetable after 8 p.m. in the northwest of the country between Den Helder and Zaandam. 

Just before the warning was upgraded, Rijkswaterstaat tweeted: “Tonight, code yellow applies to the entire country due to heavy wind gusts and heavy rain. On the road? Be alert, also because trees may be less sturdy after #StormEunice. We also ask freight traffic to be extra careful.”

Test and vaccination locations will also close earlier than normal on Sunday due to the heavy winds. GGD Haaglanden has announced it will close all test locations from 3 p.m. until further notice. The GGD will contact people who had an appointment on Sunday afternoon to reschedule.

In Almere, the test and vaccination location will close at 4:30 p.m. Existing appointments for the Almere location will be moved to another location or to another day. All locations in Flevoland are expected to be open again on Monday.