Heavy snow triggers KNMI code yellow for poor visibility and slippery roads

Heavy snowfall blanketed large parts of the Netherlands on Saturday night, causing widespread disruptions and prompting the KNMI to issue a nationwide Code Yellow weather warning. The warning highlights slippery road conditions, reduced visibility, and warns of the potential for travel delays and accidents.

Snowfall began overnight in the southwest, spreading to central and northern regions by morning. The heaviest accumulation, between 3 to 5 centimeters, was reported in central areas, with 1 to 3 centimeters elsewhere. However, as temperatures rose, snow rapidly turned to rain in southern and central parts of the country, while northern regions continued to experience snowfall until the afternoon.

The KNMI also warned of localized ice rain and freezing rain during the transition, increasing the risk of icy road conditions. "Drivers should remain vigilant and expect potential delays," the institute advised.

KNMI's Code Yellow warning is planned to be phased out throughout the day, ending at 9 a.m. in the southern provinces, 11 a.m. in central areas, and 1 p.m. in the northeastern regions.

Schiphol Airport deployed snowplows to clear runways and maintain operations as snowfall disrupted morning flights. The airport emphasized efforts to minimize delays, though some interruptions were reported due to reduced visibility and icy conditions.

By afternoon, the temperatures are likely to rise significantly, reaching 11 degrees in the southwest and 5 degrees in the northeast. The snow is expected to give way to prolonged rain across the country, with strong winds creating further complications. Coastal regions and the IJsselmeer are likely to experience gusts of up to 7 on the Beaufort scale, while inland winds are expected to range from moderate to strong.

Rainfall will persist into the evening, with overnight temperatures remaining stable at 9 to 10 degrees. Strong winds from the south to southwest are also expected, particularly along the coast and over the IJsselmeer.

Sunday is expected to remain cloudy with intermittent rain throughout the day. Afternoon temperatures will gradually fall from 12 degrees to 6 degrees, accompanied by a westward shift in winds. The evening may bring brief dry periods before scattered showers develop later.