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Netherlands Moves to Code Yellow as N33 Reopens and Cold Protocol Set for Tonight

Forecasters warn of hard-to-see glazing from refreezing with snow residues lingering through the weekend.

Overview

  • KNMI ended Code Orange in the north at 09:00, placing the entire country under Code Yellow for locally treacherous ice that is difficult to spot.
  • Rijkswaterstaat will activate its cold protocol from 18:00 to quickly relocate stranded motorists to safe locations, advising travelers to carry food, drinks and warm clothing.
  • Northern routes saw phased reopenings: the N46 reopened around midday and the N33 was fully released later in the afternoon after earlier closures and incidents with drivers bypassing barriers.
  • Public transport is resuming unevenly, with Qbuzz restarting services from 15:00 and NS maintaining a reduced winter timetable as ProRail tackles weather-related issues.
  • Authorities continue large-scale road clearing with hundreds of gritters and ploughs, while roof-load risks prompt selective venue closures, including IKEA Groningen through Monday, even as some facilities elsewhere reopen.