The KNMI weather bureau issued a code orange weather warning for all of the Netherlands but Zeeland and the Wadden Islands on Sunday.

The KNMI is forecasting snow over most of the country, with the north and north east set to get up to 15 centimetres.

However, the snow will not last in most places as the temperature rises to around 7 degrees later in the day and the snow turns to rain. In the north it will be colder, and the snow is more likely to stick.

Weeplaza is also forecasting three to eight centimetres in the south and seven to 15 in the north.

The ANWB motoring organisation has advised motorists to stay home unless their journeys are necessary and is warning of slippery conditions on many roads, despite overnight gritting.

Dutch railway company NS, which was due to launch its new winter timetable on Sunday, has further cut its schedules to take the likely impact of snow into account. NS says by reducing services, it is easier to solve any problems on the railway network.