Tornado, Stadium Collapse, and a New Code Yellow: It’s Getting Wet and Wild in NL

A weather report.. yet again! Although perhaps slightly more interesting this time.

The stormy weather over the weekend alleviated any guilt I usually feel from staying indoors gauging on FEBO and watching YouTube. However, some Dutchies had a much more eventful weekend when a rare tornado whipped through Amsterdam, the AFAS stadium roof collapsed and a code yellow warning was issued by KNMI.

The Tornado

Tornados are rare in the Netherlands, which is why residents of Amsterdam were shocked when a whirlwind appeared on Friday evening around 9.15pm. Thankfully, the tornado didn’t cause any injuries.

The AFAS Stadium Roof Collapse

A section of the AFAS stadium roof, situated in Alkmaar, collapsed on Saturday (presumably caused by strong winds). 

An investigation into the collapse was launched by the Dutch Safety Board shortly after.  The Football team AZ have begun their own independent investigation as well.

Many people are concerned about the accident as it could have killed hundreds of people if it occurred during a football match. Thankfully however, no one was present during the collapse.

VVD parliamentarian Daniel Koerhuis said to NH Nieuws “I am very shocked. It is a relatively new stadium.” The stadium was only built and opened in 2006.

KNMI issues a Code Yellow warning for the upcoming week

KNMI has issued a code yellow warning for the Netherlands this week excluding the provinces of Noord-Holland, Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe and the Wadden islands. Thunderstorms are predicted to arrive this afternoon and the code yellow warning is in place from 14.00. Stay safe people!

Source: pixel2013 on Pixabay

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Freya Sawbridge
Freya Sawbridge
Freya was born in Edinburgh but raised in New Zealand (cue every person she meets saying “oh I have always wanted to go there but it’s so far away!”). A restless and curious nature has led her to move countries 5 times in the last 3 years in attempt to find a place she can call home. She contacted DutchReview on a whim and arrived in the Netherlands in summer 2019 to start her internship.

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