Code yellow persists as snow, ice cancel hundreds of flights at Schiphol since Friday

A nationwide code yellow weather warning remained in force Sunday as snow, freezing conditions, and winter showers caused traffic accidents across the Netherlands. The winter weather also continues to disrupt air traffic. Schiphol warned of significant delays and cancellations, announcing that more than 125 flights would be canceled again on Monday and around 400 on Sunday.

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, KNMI, said the code yellow alert for slippery roads applies to the entire country until 5 a.m. Tuesday. The warning covers widespread slick conditions caused by frequent showers, with a risk of hail and wet snow.

Snow fell again overnight, and winter showers moved in from the northwest Sunday morning, sometimes accompanied by thunder. In the north, central, and southern parts of the country, snowfall was heavy at times, with local accumulations of up to 5 centimeters. Along the west coast, temperatures rose slightly above freezing, causing snow to melt more quickly.

Inland areas are expected to see snow remain on the ground. During heavier showers, snow accumulation of 1 to 3 centimeters is possible, with higher amounts in the south and northeast. KNMI also warned that freezing wet roads could further increase the risk of accidents.

Schiphol

A Schiphol spokesperson stated that they anticipate Monday's weather conditions to mirror those from previous days. “It will snow again overnight, and our snow removal fleet is already standing by,” the spokesperson said. Travelers were advised to check current flight information before heading to the airport.

KLM had already canceled 295 flights for Sunday. Flights that did operate were expected to face delays. More than 200 flights were also canceled on Friday and Saturday due to a combination of snow showers and strong winds, with European routes appearing to be the hardest hit.

According to Schiphol, it is still too early to say whether the problems will continue on Monday. The airport is assessing the situation in half-day intervals.

Road accidents

Slippery conditions led to numerous accidents Saturday evening and overnight. A car in Oss overturned on the roadside verge. Since 7 p.m. Saturday, Rijkswaterstaat has spread nearly 6 million kilograms of salt to combat icy roads.

In Berkhout, Noord-Holland, a motorist drove into a ditch, and another car slid out of a curve in Weesp and landed in a ditch. Near Gasselte in Drenthe, a truck jackknifed on the N34. In Friesland, a car left the road on the N381 near Donkerbroek, another slid into a ditch near Hilaard, and a separate vehicle ended up in a roadside trench in Sneek.

Near Maarsbergen in Utrecht, a car slid into a ditch beside an exit of the A12. In Barendrecht, a car partially ended up in a ditch, and traffic also faced sliding problems on the A58 between Arnemuiden and Goes in Zeeland.