Storm Emy cancels about 150 flights at Schiphol Airport and disrupts roads across the Netherlands
Storm Eimi swept through the Netherlands this week, prompting the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) to issue a national yellow warning, causing widespread disruption to travel both by air and land. The storm brought with it fierce winds reaching speeds of 100 kilometers per hour, affecting most parts of the country from Saturday morning until Sunday.
KNMI warned that the Limburg region could experience winds of up to 80 kilometers per hour on Saturday morning before the weather temporarily calms down. However, the winds quickly intensified again, starting from the west coast and then moving inland. In the afternoon, wind speeds in coastal areas reached between 80 and 90 kilometers per hour, while inland areas recorded about 75 kilometers per hour. Along the coast, gusts reached 90 to 100 kilometers per hour. The institute predicted that the winds would gradually calm down from the south on Sunday, with northern coasts remaining under threat until the afternoon.
The impact of the storm on air travel was significant. Schiphol Airport canceled more than 150 flights on Saturday, with more cancellations expected on Sunday. Affected destinations included major cities in Germany, the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Norway, and Italy, as well as long-haul flights to Houston and Atlanta. KLM confirmed the cancellation of dozens of flights, especially to Western Europe, and urged travelers to keep up with flight updates.
Road traffic has faced significant difficulties. The Rijkswaterstaat agency reported dangerous conditions on several highways, including flooding on the A4 near Leidschendam, and delays on the A2 between Utrecht and Amersfoort. Traffic closures and diversions were also reported on the A9, A10, A13, A16, and A27 due to storm damage and ongoing maintenance work. Authorities urged drivers to exercise caution and prepare for longer journeys.
The origins of Storm Eimi trace back to a weather system branching off from Hurricane Humberto, which also triggered warnings in the UK and Ireland. The British Met Office warned that some areas of western Scotland could see winds reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. In the Netherlands, the top priority remained managing the chaos at Schiphol Airport and ensuring road safety as the strong winds continued throughout the weekend.