The Dutch national weather service, KNMI, has issued a “code yellow” warning for the central and southern regions of the Netherlands. The provinces with ” code Yellow” caution are Brabant, Limburg, Zeeland, Utrecht, and Gelderland. Starting late tonight and continuing into Thursday morning, a band of sleet and snow will move in from the south, potentially leaving a layer of 1–3 cm, with local accumulations of up to 5 cm.
This weather is expected to cause hazardous driving conditions and travel delays. Forecasters predict that the heaviest snowfall will occur in a narrow zone around the “river area” (the country’s central belt). By late Thursday morning, temperatures should rise above freezing, causing the snow to melt and the slippery conditions to clear.
What to expect
- Slippery surfaces:Â Untreated roads, cycle paths, and pavements may become dangerous.
- Travel disruption:Â Commuters should expect longer travel times for both road and rail journeys.
- Uncertainty:Â Meteorologists are still monitoring how far north the snow will reach and exactly how much will settle on the roads, as ground temperatures remain mostly above zero.
Safety tips for travellers
- Plan ahead:Â Check the latest weather warnings and traffic updates shortly before you leave.
- Adjust your driving:Â reduce your speed and maintain a significantly greater distance from the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering manoeuvres.
- Clear your vehicle:Â Ensure all windows and the roof are free of snow and ice before setting off to maintain visibility and prevent hazards for other drivers.
- Consider alternatives:Â If you are not confident driving in wintry conditions, use public transport or postpone non-essential journeys until the afternoon, when the thaw begins.
NEWS BRAINPORT
