Storm force winds hit the Netherlands’ air and sea ports

Air and sea ports in the Netherlands were closed as spring storms battered the country with gusts of up to 120 km an hour yesterday (Tuesday), which could have hindered some SA cargo shipments.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport was forced to cancel 80 flights, with delays projected to worsen later in the day, and two terminals at Rotterdam were closed.

The force 11 storm - just below a hurricane (force 12) on the Beaufort Wind Scale - disrupted air, land and marine traffic throughout the low-lying country, and forced the Dutch meteorological office to issue a code red warning.