Fatalities and Massive Disruptions as Severe Storm Strikes the Netherlands

One Fatality in Storm in the Netherlands

A severe storm in the Netherlands is causing massive disruptions, resulting in the tragic death of a woman when a tree fell on her car. Flight and train services are experiencing cancellations.

A woman lost her life in a severe storm in the Netherlands. The 51-year-old woman died in Haarlem when a tree fell on her car. Additionally, there are significant disruptions to public life.

The northern half of the country, affected by the storm named "Poly," has seen the suspension of train services, closures of some highways, partial shutdown of schools and parks, and buses remaining in depots in several cities. The fire department has been called to numerous incidents of fallen trees, as reported by the public broadcaster NOS.

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport experienced extensive cancellations. The airport announced that only limited flight operations would be possible between 9 am and 4 pm. Delays and cancellations were to be expected, with at least 400 flights being canceled.

Travelers should also anticipate delays and train cancellations. The Dutch rail service announced a complete halt of operations in the provinces of North Holland and Flevoland starting from 8:30 am, as indicated on their website. Similar disruptions may occur in other parts of the country. The rail company advised passengers to postpone their journeys if possible.

The storm made landfall on the Dutch coast in the morning, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour. The KNM weather institute issued a red warning, the highest level of alert, for the provinces of North Holland, Flevoland, Friesland, and the IJsselmeer area. The warning highlighted the risk of falling trees and airborne objects. Traffic authorities also cautioned against driving on highways, where overturned trucks and fallen trees on roadways were already reported.

In the morning, residents of North Holland province, including the capital city Amsterdam, received a warning message. Authorities urged them not to leave their homes due to "extreme weather" and to contact emergency services only in life-threatening situations.