Overnight storm: one dead from fallen tree in Drenthe, fewer trains due to trees on tracks

A powerful overnight storm swept across the Netherlands, causing significant damage and claiming one life. In the Drenthe village of 't Haantje, a 25-year-old woman from Joure died when a tree fell onto her car. Emergency services were unable to save her.

The storm, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain, left a trail of destruction across the country. Numerous trees and branches blocked roads and railway lines, leading to train service disruptions in several areas. Safety regions reported extensive storm damage, including uprooted trees, detached roof sections, and scattered debris.

In Twente, the safety region received around 170 storm-related calls, with the fire department responding to about thirty incidents, primarily involving fallen trees. A wedding celebration in Bels was disrupted when a stream overflowed, flooding the venue and causing water damage to a hospitality business, though all 150 guests were safely evacuated.

Further north, Groningen experienced gas leaks and damage to homes due to the severe weather. While most main roads were cleared by early morning, some roads remained closed. In Julianadorp, North Holland, a festival was canceled due to storm damage, with organizers deeming it unsafe to proceed.

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Help was of no use, a 25-year-old woman from Joure died on the spot.