Code orange thunderstorm warning issued in the east of the Netherlands

A Code Orange weather warning was issued for the east of the Netherlands on Saturday evening due to heavy thunderstorms with strong gusts of wind. Dutch meteorological office KNMI said that severe weather can cause disruptions and damage, especially in the east and southeast.

The orange alert level applies to the provinces of Overijssel, Gelderland, Noord-Brabant and Limburg. "During the thunderstorms, heavy wind gusts of 75 to 100 kilometers per hour are possible, especially in the east,” the KNMI said.

“In addition, 20 to 40 millimeters of rain can fall locally in a short time, and hail of 1 to 2 cm is also possible."

The heavy thunderstorms were expected to move from west to east across the country. In the second half of the evening, the storm showers will move out of the country, according to the institute.

On the west coast, Formula 1 fans on their way from the Zandvoort Circuit to the train station were contending with sudden strong gusts of wind and rain. In some places, fences have blown over, as have many parked bicycles.

A Code Yellow warning applies in the coastal town, just like the rest of Noord-Holland and the remaining provinces. Some of the spectators who watched the qualification round of the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon were looking for shelter in cafés along the boulevard.

Others, dressed in ponchos, were lumbering through the adverse weather.

Passengers were being let into the train station in groups to prevent "the station from filling up all at once", according to an NS spokesperson. The phased admission of returning race fans to the station also happened during previous editions of the event.