It seems we really have turned into a bunch of wimps… the slightest fall of snow leads to emergency weather warnings days in advance and the whole country threatens to grind to a halt in anticipation of a major disaster.

On Wednesday, weather forecasters warned that the Netherlands would get between five and 10 centimetres of snow today. And that was all it took for the doom-mongers to come out in force.
For some bizarre reason, Dutch Rail announced it was going to reduce train services because of the snow – forcing more people into their cars. Drivers were warned not to go out unless necessary, companies were advised to let their staff go home early and Schiphol airport closed down runways.
Insurers urged home-owners with flat roofs to check their guttering. And tv news stations put on extra snow bulletins – and placed their reporters at strategic places all over the country. It’s just a bit of snow, people, not a typhoon or hurricane.
Maybe the hysteria is due to the fact that it’s the first real wintry weather since December 2005. We’ve forgotten what it’s like. So put on your wellies and clear a path for the old lady next door. Have a snowball fight with the kids and a big mug of cocoa when you come in. It will all be gone tomorrow.