Netherlands Declares Highest Alert Level as Storm "Poly" Causes Travel Chaos

Netherlands Declares Highest Alert Level as Storm "Poly" Causes Travel Chaos

Netherlands Declares Highest Alert Level

Stormy weather in the Netherlands has already caused traffic chaos, with hundreds of flights canceled and train services partially suspended. The national weather institute has issued a red alert for large parts of the country.

The storm system named "Poly" is causing significant disruptions in air and rail travel throughout the Netherlands. The highest alert level is in effect across extensive areas of the country.

In the morning, the storm system made landfall on the Dutch coast with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. The national weather institute, KNM, issued a red warning for the provinces of North Holland, Flevoland, Friesland, and the IJsselmeer region, indicating the highest possible alert level.

Residents of the North Holland province received a warning message in the morning. Authorities urged people not to leave their homes due to the "extreme weather" and to contact emergency services only in life-threatening situations. The province includes the capital city of Amsterdam.

Flight cancellations and halted train services

At Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, more than 300 flights had to be canceled due to the adverse weather conditions, according to a spokesperson cited by Reuters news agency. The airport's website stated that restrictions, including "severe winds, rain, and poor visibility," were expected to continue until at least 3 p.m.

Travelers using the railway system should also anticipate delays and train cancellations. Train services in the provinces of North Holland and Flevoland were completely suspended starting at 8:30 a.m., as reported on the Dutch rail company's website. Similar disruptions could be expected in other parts of the country as well. The railway company advised passengers to postpone their journeys if possible.