The KNMI weather bureau issued a code orange weather warning for Noord-Holland, Friesland and Groningen on Thursday morning, as storm-force winds again began to batter northern parts of the country.

Winds of up to 100 kph are expected to hit coastal areas later in the day, reaching up to 90 kph inland. There is also a strong risk of lightning and heavy hail storms, which could cause problems on the roads, the KNMI said.
At least 15 flights have already been cancelled at Schiphol airport because of the strong winds and there was considerable disruption on rush-hour trains. Passengers are being warned they face delays of up to one hour.
Ferry services to the Wadden islands have also been cancelled or delayed, the ferry operators told Nos television.
Dykes
Meanwhile, some 80 people told to leave the Groningen village of Tolbert because a dyke is threatening to break through, news agency ANP said.
The Tolberter Petten polder covers 200 hectares and is home to 10 farms. Water is already seeping over the edge of the Matsloot river onto the land below.
Oil and gas company Nam has closed down two gas extraction plants which are also located on the polder.
Flood plains
The heavy rain over the past few days has led water boards in Groningen to open up emergency flood plains in several places.
On Thursday morning, officials decided to open two nature reserves up to excess water in an effort to stop parts of Groningen, Hoogezand and Winschoten flooding, Nos television said.
Officials throughout Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe are monitoring events closely as water levels reach a 14-year high, Nos television said.
Pumps are operating round the clock in the three northern provinces to shift excess water to the sea or IJsselmeer lake.
Photo: Novum/Harm Meter