Storm Benjamin hitting earlier than expected; Code Orange from this afternoon
Storm Benjamin is hitting the Netherlands earlier than expected, with strong winds already starting in Zeeland and very strong winds expected by the afternoon. The meteorological institute KNMI adjusted its weather warnings accordingly. A code orange weather warning will apply to the western coastal provinces from this afternoon, where gusts up to 120 kilometers are expected. A code yellow, warning of gusts up to 90 kilometers per hour, applies to the rest of the country.
“Starting this morning, strong wind gusts are possible from the southwest and south, for which a code yellow warning has been issued,” the KNMI said. “Starting this afternoon, there is a risk of very strong wind gusts in the western coastal provinces, for which a code orange warning has been issued.”
The code orange warning will first take effect in Zeeland at 2:00 p.m., spreading to Zuid-Holland at 3:00 p.m., Noord-Holland and the IJsselmeergebied at 6:00 p.m., and the Wadden Sea and Islands at 8:00 p.m. The very strong winds will calm down to strong winds in Zeeland by 9:00 p.m., but will last overnight and into Friday in the other coastal provinces. The KNMI expects to lift the code orange warning last in the Wadden Sea area at 11:00 a.m. on Friday.
A code yellow warning already applies in Zeeland and will steadily spread as the storm moves across the country, hitting the northern provinces last at around 9:00 p.m. tonight.
The wind gusts will be from a westerly to northwesterly direction and will very likely disrupt road and rail traffic, the KNMI said. Those in affected areas should be alert for flying debris, broken-off branches, and possibly falling trees.
Travelers’ association ANWB expects a nightmare of an evening rush hour due to the weather. “The Thursday evening rush hour is already a busy one, even during the autumn break,” a spokesperson told NU.nl. “The storm will definitely have an impact on the roads. Traffic jams may be longer than usual.”
The organization urged road users to prepare well and drive carefully. “If you don’t need to go on the road, stay safely indoors. Keep your distance, keep your hands on the wheel, and pay attention to other road users.”
Strong winds also typically affect air traffic at Schiphol Airport, but so far, the airport’s website shows no preemptive cancellations.
