Policies & regulations for storm
The Netherlands does not have specific policies or regulations in place for storms. Instead, the Dutch government works with warnings, building regulation and crisis management.
Warnings and Preparation
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) plays a central role. They issue weather warnings codes, yellow, orange, and red, for severe winds, which directly influence the behaviour of people and organisations.
In the event of an approaching storm, the central government and local safety regions spread advice through various channels, including their websites and social media, on how people should prepare. This includes securing loose items, staying indoors, and avoiding forests or bridges.
Building Regulations
Since 1 January 2024, the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) has been in force, replacing the previous Bouwbesluit and consolidating regulations for the physical living environment. The Act sets requirements to ensure that buildings and structures are resistant to wind, including the structural strength of roofs and walls to prevent detachment or collapse during storms. Informatiepunt Leefomgeving (IPLO) is the official government website on the Environment and Planning Act.
The NEN 8100 is a standard used to assess the wind climate around buildings. It uses hourly average wind speeds (in metres per second) in relation to the probability of exceedance, expressed as a percentage of hours per year. A table within the standard indicates whether the wind climate is considered poor, moderate, or good for different situations and activities, such as walking, strolling, or sitting for extended periods.
The standard also includes a decision model that indicates when a detailed wind study may be required:
- Buildings taller than 30 metres: a wind study is required.
- Sheltered buildings between 15 and 30 metres high: a specialist assesses whether a wind study is necessary.
- Unprotected buildings up to 30 metres high: a specialist assesses whether a wind study is necessary.
Although NEN 8100 is not legally mandatory, it is widely used in practice. A local authority may choose to include a requirement for a wind study in accordance with NEN 8100 in its spatial planning regulations.
The Dutch government has not issued any specific regulations for working in strong winds, but the Working Conditions Act stipulates that employers must take measures to ensure safety and prevent risks, such as suspending work at height or crane work above a certain wind force.
Crisis management
During severe storms, the safety regions and fire brigade coordinate the response to storm damage, such as removing fallen trees, covering damaged roofs, and providing emergency assistance. This information is typically shared via the websites of the safety regions.
