A farm in Schoonebeek just after the storm. Photo: Cultural Heritage Agency
On November 13, 1972 a small ‘tornado’ swept over the Northern Netherlands, with wind gusts of 150 kilometers per hour. It was one of the worst storms of the century. Major damage was caused everywhere in Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland, from north to south.
Whole roofs blew away, roof tiles fell down en masse. Trees, light poles and even level crossing trees of the railways snapped like matchsticks. Parked cars were blown away, ships broke loose. Parents kept their school-age children at home.
Do you remember this storm? For an article in Newspaper of the North we are looking for eyewitnesses from that time. Reactions may be sent to [email protected], stating ‘storm’.