Nationwide snow and ice warnings; code orange in Limburg, Brabant

Weather warnings for snow and icy conditions were issued Thursday across much of the Netherlands, with significant disruptions expected for commuters. The KNMI has implemented code orange weather warning in Limburg and Noord-Brabant until midday, later downgrading these regions to code yellow.

Zuid-Limburg has already seen 5-8 centimeters of snow fallen overnights. By early afternoon, 1-3 centimeters of snow are expected in some parts of West-Brabant and 5-8 centimeters in Limburg and Oost-Brabant.

Code yellow warnings are to remain in effect for Gelderland throughout the day, while other eastern provinces, Utrecht, and Zeeland will come under code yellow from 9 p.m. The advisories will remain active until Friday morning.

Rush hour disruptions

The KNMI warned that public transportation and road traffic are likely to face “significant disruptions” during the morning rush hour. Officials urged motorists to exercise caution and adjust their travel plans due to slippery roads and poor visibility caused by the snow.

"The most snow is expected in eastern Brabant and Limburg," the KNMI stated. The snowfall will begin to subside in the early afternoon as the weather system will move eastward into Germany.

From late afternoon into the evening, inland regions are expected to face a new possible wave of hazardous conditions. With freezing temperatures forecast, the KNMI warned of ice formation, particularly in areas where snow remained on the ground.

“Slippery roads are a major concern,” the KNMI said, adding that isolated winter showers, including small hail and wet snow, could exacerbate the risk in inland areas.

The ice warnings cover eastern provinces, Utrecht, and Zeeland starting at 9 p.m. Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, Flevoland, and the Wadden Islands were not included in the advisories.