The Netherlands grinds to a snowy halt

Sunday 20 December 2009

Up to 10 cm of snow is expected to fall on Sunday, causing very difficult conditions on the roads, the KNMI weather bureau said.

Train services have also been cancelled and flights delayed at Schiphol airport, causing holiday misery for thousands. (See separate story)

After a night in which the temperatures were set to fall as low as -7 Celsius, the snow will move eastwards across the country, the KNMI said. And with wind speeds picking up in coastal areas, there could be some drifting.

At midday, the ANWB motoring organisation said most roads are snow-covered. On the motorways, only one or two lanes are open with very slow moving traffic. Drivers are being recommended to stay home unless their journey is essential.

By the afternoon, the snow will give way to rain in the west, as the temperature rises to above freezing. But the roads are likely to be very slippery, following the heavy frosts, making black ice likely in places, the KNMI said.

It will again freeze on Sunday night and into next week, the KNMI said, although it will be warmer during the day.

Footprints

The Dutch skating association is warning people to stay off lakes and waterways because the ice is still very thin, thanks to the snow. Rescue workers have been inundated with calls for help from people who have got stuck on the ice, news agency ANP reported.

Meanwhile, police in Roosendaal were able to catch a burglar by following his footprints in the snow. The 24-year-old man had broken into a garden shed and stolen a bike and tools.

Although that trail went cold, police recognised the footprints when they went to the aid of a man who was lying in the snow under the influence of drugs. He had the stolen bike with him at the time, ANP said.

All premier division football matches have also been cancelled.

For some photographs of the Netherlands in the snow, click here

© DutchNews.nl

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