Friday, 19 January 2018

Code red' storm causes Dutch and German transport chaos


*'Code red' storm causes Dutch and German transport chaos*

Dutch authorities have suspended all flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol airport as a severe storm causes transport chaos in the Netherlands. Most rail traffic has also stopped as winds gust at up to 140km/h (90mph). Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest airports, says flights will gradually resume and passengers can still check in. But two departure halls are closed.

The storm is now causing damage and disruption in Germany. Rail traffic has stopped in the densely populated Ruhr. Dutch Twitter users have posted photos of trucks and trees blown over by the gales. Many trees have come down on railway lines. A national transport website, VID, reported 17 trucks blown over by the strong winds.

The Dutch Railways (NS) and operator ProRail said overhead power lines had been damaged by the wind, as well as some railway tracks. An alert on the NS website said: "A hurricane-force storm is raging over our country and causing a lot of damage to the rail network and stations. "NS and ProRail therefore have to stop the train service until further notice. Only Arriva trains in Groningen and Limburg can continue running."



No comments: