Early Wednesday morning, July 5, storm Poly raged over the Netherlands and disrupted train traffic.
A storm with a historic turn of the Dutch weather because the summer storm has brought unprecedented wind gusts of up to 146 km / h. This exceptionally high speed, measured in IJmuiden with an hourly average of more than 11 Beaufort, heralds a new benchmark for summer storms.
Emergency weather measures have come into effect in large parts of the Northern Netherlands, including North Holland and Flevoland, with rail traffic suspended indefinitely. The National Railways (NS) stated that this action was taken as a precaution.
Amsterdam
The government has issued code red for North Holland, Friesland, Flevoland and the IJsselmeer area, and public transport in Amsterdam is severely limited. The Amsterdam Municipal Transport Company (GVB) has chosen to temporarily suspend the timetable of trams and buses due to the dangerous weather conditions. Earlier, some trams were already stopped because tree branches fell on the overhead lines, causing the power supply to be interrupted.
Motorists are also experiencing serious consequences, with fallen trees on roads and parking lots. An NL Alert has been issued for the province of North Holland, calling on residents to stay indoors and only call 112 in life-threatening situations.
Weesperstraat
There was no question of a cut in Weesperstraat during the storm. To maximize the efficiency of emergency and rescue services amid the exceptional weather conditions, the city of Amsterdam has lifted the barriers on the Weesperstraat and surrounding streets have been opened preventively. This policy is intended to allow for the faster and smoother movement of emergency services when necessary. This is a temporary measure that will remain effective for the duration of the storm. As soon as the weather conditions improve, the barriers will be closed again.
Vehicles with (empty) trailers, lorries without cargo, caravans and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to wind. Especially on open plains, dikes and bridges.
The Central Office for Driving Skills (CBR) has also intervened in light of the extreme weather conditions. All driving tests in code red areas have been postponed until at least 11 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a CBR spokesperson. Candidates are requested to reschedule their appointments.
Schiphol Airport
The extreme weather conditions caused by the summer storm 'Poly' prompted Schiphol to cancel more than 300 flights. The storm has completely paralyzed train traffic to the airport, while Rijkswaterstaat has advised not to go on the road.
These traffic restrictions have a significant impact on travelers. Some risk missing their flight simply because they are unable to reach the airport on time. As authorities try to deal with the situation, travelers face a challenge to find alternative transportation options during this exceptionally turbulent time.
Despite the unrest caused by the storm in large parts of the Netherlands, air traffic at Eindhoven airport continued. The south of the country seemed to experience little or no disruption from the storm in the morning hours, so that airport services there went according to schedule. While many travelers in the north struggled with canceled flights and travel restrictions, Eindhoven was able to continue its flight services unimpeded.
Haarlem
The summer storm also caused other suffering in Haarlem during a tragic accident in which a tree fell on a car. A local photographer reported that bystanders freed a 51-year-old woman from the vehicle and CPR was immediately started, but unfortunately to no avail.
ProRail and NS expect to be able to restart part of the train traffic this evening. This mainly concerns parts of the provinces of North Holland and Utrecht. These railway lines were declared safe and safe again after the storm. On a number of routes - especially to and from the Northern Netherlands - the damage caused by storm Poly is considerable and must be repaired. For the time being, no train traffic can take place here. NS will gradually start up the timetable in the coming hours on the routes Amsterdam – Schiphol, Amsterdam – Rotterdam via HSL, Amsterdam – Utrecht, Amsterdam – Hilversum and Utrecht – Amersfoort and Den Helder - Alkmaar. Trains are starting to run again here. These are so-called “bring home trains”; mainly intended to get travelers who were stranded back to their destination. Travelers are advised to consult the travel planner.
