Gale force winds buffet the Netherlands as southwesterly storm hits coast

Photo: Anne Lakeman
Photo: Anne Lakeman

Strong southwesterly winds of up to 110 kph are buffeting coastal regions on Thursday, but nationwide, wind speeds of up to 80 to 100 kph may be recorded, the KNMI weather bureau said.

The KNMI has issued a code yellow weather warning for the storm, which will die down in the afternoon, when it will turn cloudier with some rain. Thunder, lightning and hail could also hit later in the day and the maximum temperature will be around 11 Celsius, the KNMI said.

So far, no major damage has been reported but a handful of coronavirus test and vaccination centres, including those in Vlissingen and Alkmaar, have been closed, broadcaster RTL said.

The strong winds are due to a large area of low pressure moving across the Netherlands. It will remain windy, cloudy and wet up to the weekend, although there may be some sunny spells, the KNMI said.

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