A significant winter snowstorm in the Netherlands has wreaked havoc, canceling over 2,000 flights, disrupting transport, and angering cyclists due to poor road conditions. Up to 15 cm of snow has fallen since Saturday, with temperatures dipping to minus 10 degrees Celsius. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) notes that snowfall frequency is declining due to climate change, with average snowy days dropping from 23 in 1961 to just three today.
Former Elfstedentcht Association president Wiebe Wieling expressed frustration over the changing winters, emphasizing the broader national sentiment about climate challenges. Cyclists have faced significant difficulties, as bike lanes remain poorly maintained compared to clearer roads. Incidents have been reported of drivers sliding off roads without winter tires, while KLM struggled with de-icer shortages.
Despite historical declines in winter weather, this storm has highlighted infrastructure shortcomings in the face of extreme weather. Transportation experts warn about increasing economic costs from such disruptions, as cities must adapt to more unpredictable weather patterns. Activists stress the need to prioritize safe cycling routes, ensuring that even severe weather doesn’t deter this form of transport. The storm has sparked discussions on climate resilience, reflecting a mix of nostalgia for traditional winters and concern for future commuting habits.
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