News item

Published on: 22 October 2025, 17:33

The KNMI has issued an orange alert from the evening of Thursday 23 October due to Storm Benjamin. The storm starts in Zeeland, then moves to South Holland and later to North Holland. 

The storm may affect both road traffic and water management. We are closely monitoring the situation and advise road users in the coastal regions to be prepared for strong wind gusts.

Impact on Road Traffic

The storm can cause heavy wind gusts especially on highways and bridges in the coastal provinces. We advise road users to:

  • be alert for wind gusts, especially when overtaking and driving over bridges
  • keep extra distance
  • be extra cautious if you are driving a vehicle with an (empty) trailer, an unloaded truck, or a motorcycle. It may be wise to postpone your trip.

Our traffic control centers continuously monitor the KNMI weather forecast and traffic situation.

Measures on the Water

Due to the persistent storm from the west, water levels along the coast and in the mouths of the Rhine and Meuse rivers are rising. The water levels may lead to the closure of the Hollandsche IJsselkering and the Oosterschelde barrier. These storm surge barriers protect the hinterland against high water; closing them is a standard measure.

Because of the relatively low river discharge, salty seawater flows further up the rivers than usual. The Water Management Centre Netherlands (WMCN) in Lelystad monitors water levels and weather forecasts 24 hours a day and informs water partners.

More Information on Storm Benjamin