Freezing temperatures of up to -10 degrees are unleashing a flurry of chaos across the Netherlands, as universities close, even more flights are grounded, and a code yellow warning is issued nationwide.
As temperatures dropped to -10 degrees last night, Dutchies are waking up to an icy, unforgiving Tuesday morning, reports AD.
The lowest temperature was -10.6 degrees Celsius in Gilze-Rijen, Brabant. Shockingly, regions only a few dozen kilometres away saw temperatures of only -3.
And with these freezing temperatures, the country continues to experience snow chaos.
Expect treacherous roads and traffic
While some might have rejoiced in the gorgeous snowfall over the weekend into Monday night, others are finding it less romantic.
Due to the freeze, the roads are perilously icy across the country. A code yellow has been issued, cautioning drivers to be vigilant, or, better yet, to stay off the roads if they can help it.
Accidents are likely in this kind of weather — an incident on the A12 this morning has already caused up to 2 hours of delays between Gouda and Utrecht, reports NOS.
NS trains aren’t running (but it’s got nothing to do with the snow)
Better yet, this morning, the NS announced that all domestic trains were cancelled till at least 10 AM due to IT outages and switch failures.
READ MORE | BREAKING: All domestic NS trains cancelled across the Netherlands this morning
Apparently, this was not because of the weather. The trains were supposed to run infrequently under a winter schedule despite the freeze.
However, at the perfect moment, the scheduling system failed, resulting in multiple switch failures.
According to NOS, NS trains will start running on the winter timetable from 10 AM.
And buses aren’t running in several regions
In addition, buses are not running in Flevoland and Utrecht to ensure passenger safety.
Meanwhile, RET buses in Rotterdam are expected to resume running only after rush hour, but not a minute sooner.
Air passengers? They’re having the worst time of all
Travellers at Schiphol Airport are finding themselves stranded in the airport, as planes are grounded, and trains are entirely cancelled.
According to AD, the airport has cancelled up to 350 flights just this morning as a precaution (though travellers may not see it as such).
@bachelier92 ☃️☃️☃️. #amsterdam #flight #schipolamsterdam #flightcanceled ♬ sonido original – Música_Clásica
Several unlucky passengers were already forced to find accommodation on Monday evening or even sleep at the airport (hardly a five-star hotel), as flights were already cancelled over the weekend.
Now, according to NOS, the magic number of flights currently grounded is over 700.
Utrecht University remains closed
Due to the difficult commuting situation for students and teachers, the University of Utrecht has cancelled classes for the second day in a row.
Not sure if this qualifies as a snow day, but surely some students are pleased with the change of plans.
The current weather is far from over: tomorrow is forecast to bring more snow (but hopefully less chaos).
How have you been affected by the winter weather? Let us know in the comments below!
