Winds of over 100 kph are expected to hit the Netherlands on Friday morning, as a severe south-westerly storm crosses the country.

The KNMI weather bureau has issued a code yellow weather warning for the entire country, although the strongest winds are expected to be confined to coastal areas.

Motorists are being warned to watch out for strong gusts of wind on the roads and the ANWB motoring organisation says traffic jams are likely to be longer than normal.

The winds may also be accompanied by heavy rain and hail, the KNMI said. The storm will die down later in the afternoon.

The weekend will be chilly, with strong winds and rain and there will be little change next week, the long-range forecasts show.