Code red weather alert withdrawn; Dutch take to the ice
The KNMI weather bureau has withdrawn its code red alert for the three northern provinces, saying most roads are now free of black ice.
According to the national traffic information service, there were at least 67 accidents during the morning rush hour because of the treacherous conditions. Some 1.2 million kilos of gritting salt was used in an effort to keep the roads clear.
However, drivers are being warned there may still be localised problems. Train and bus services will also take some time to get back to normal, officials said.
The severe weather warning led to schools being closed and public transport services were disrupted. Nevertheless, many people took advantage of the ice to practice their skating skills.
Vanmiddag hebben de dames #ijzel vrij. Dus maar even een paar rondjes #schaatsen. pic.twitter.com/OD6GMHddqp
— Jan Reinier de Jong (@jrdejongodoorn) January 5, 2016
Skating along a rural street on the Wadden Sea island of Ameland
A compilation of skating home videos compiled by local broadcaster TV Drenthe
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