Icy roads trigger code orange alert across Northern Netherlands

Dangerous icy conditions triggered a code orange alert overnight into the early morning Saturday across the northern and northeastern Netherlands, where freezing rain, ice pellets and snow caused treacherous roads and led to a car overturning in the Friese town of Akkrum.

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, or KNMI, issued code orange for Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland and the Waddengebied because of widespread icy conditions caused by freezing rain.

Weather service Weeronline said Groningen was the most dangerous province for travel. There, precipitation in the form of icy rain and snow was expected to continue into the afternoon. Temperatures were forecast to remain around 30 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day. As the afternoon progressed, the precipitation was expected to move northward, with slippery conditions gradually easing.

The hazardous conditions caused at least one traffic incident. In Akkrum, in Friesland, a motorist lost control on the icy roads and the car overturned. The vehicle was badly damaged and was scheduled to be removed by a towing company. Police brought the driver home. No injuries were reported.

KNMI data show that severe weather warnings have been issued more frequently in early 2026 than during all of 2025. Last year, code orange was declared five times, covering a total of seven days, with only two alerts related to snow, ice or slippery conditions. In the first weeks of 2026, code orange has already been issued seven times, covering nine days, all linked to snow, freezing rain or dangerous road conditions.