Code yellow for storm Austen as second storm nears

The KNMI issued code yellow, a weather warning, from 19:00 for storm Austen. From late afternoon, severe gusts of 75 to 90 km/h are expected in the south-east and along the south-west coast.

Weeronline forecast that the storm would cross the country from Friday afternoon, with the wind strongest in the southern provinces and along the coast.

Maurice Middendorp of Buienradar said these are remnants of Austen. "In the Netherlands we have no official storm, but we do have stormy weather with severe gusts of force 8," he said. Gusts could reach 80 km/h in Zeeland and Limburg, 90 km/h inland in Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel, and 100 km/h on the coast.

"Near trees you really have to watch out," Middendorp said. After a dry summer, trees fall over more easily, and they still carry many leaves, so branches break off easily. Driving with trailers and caravans can also be dangerous.

Another storm is expected on Saturday, which could bring severe gusts. Middendorp called Friday's wind a foretaste for the west of the country. On Saturday, force 10 could bring gusts of up to 100 km/h over the Wadden area, and inland the wind could reach force 6 to 7. "Especially on the coast it is strong," he said, with broken branches and disruption to traffic.

Because of the forecast, Nacht van de Nacht in Middelburg, planned for Saturday evening, has been cancelled.