Dutch road authority preparing for -20°C wind chill, snow, and fog this weekend

The protocol for severe cold weather along Dutch roads will be in place from 6 p.m. on Saturday. Additional recovery vehicles and road inspectors will be on the job over the weekend, in anticipation of an extremely cold windchill, and the possibility of snow and fog.

The cold weather protocol will be in effect for all provinces until Monday morning, said infrastructure agency Rijkswaterstaat. The authority does not want people with vehicle breakdowns to be stuck alongside the road for extended periods during severe cold.

Rijkswaterstaat generally activates the cold protocol when the wind chill is forecast to be -15 degrees Celsius or lower. Dutch meteorological office KNMI warned Sunday will likely be "dry and very cold."

The wind chill can fall to -15 degrees Celsius. In the northeast of the country, the wind chill will possibly drop further, hitting -20 degrees. This comes with a chance of "persistent fog," the KNMI said.

Stranded drivers, passengers, and their vehicles will be transported as quickly as possible to a safe location, such as a gas station or another location with amenities, while the cold weather protocol remains in effect. Road users were advised to be well-prepared by bringing enough food and drink, a warm jacket, and possibly a blanket.

Monday will likely see the mercury rise a bit, but the KNMI expects snow in the morning, followed by freezing rain. After Monday, the KNMI predicts temperatures will return to normal, accompanied by scattered showers.