Erasmus Bridge fireworks show to proceed despite powerful wind

The large-scale National Fireworks display at the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam is set to proceed as planned, despite weather concerns during New Year’s Eve. Organizers stated that the expected high winds are not anticipated to disrupt the event.

A yellow weather warning for strong winds, with gusts up to 90 kilometers per hour, has been issued for North Holland and the Wadden Islands during the New Year’s period. However, South Holland, where Rotterdam is located, has not been included in the warning.

Mark Rouwenhorst, a representative of the National Fireworks organization, explained that the event can safely take place if wind speeds remain under 9 meters per second, roughly equivalent to wind force 5-6 on the Beaufort scale. “Current forecasts predict winds of 8 meters per second. It’s right on the edge, but we’re in the clear for now,” Rouwenhorst said. He expressed confidence that the show would go on as planned, with another meeting scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to confirm the final decision.

The National Fireworks show at the Erasmus Bridge annually draws around 70,000 spectators, making it one of the country’s most popular New Year’s events.

In contrast, other celebrations across the Netherlands have been canceled due to high winds. Traditional bonfires at Scheveningen and Duindorp beaches in The Hague, as well as in Floradorp in Amsterdam-Noord and several villages in Friesland’s Waadhoeke municipality, will not take place. Multiple New Year’s Day swims have also been called off for safety reasons.