The severe storm which swept over the Netherlands on Tuesday afternoon and evening caused flash flooding in places and led to flights from Schiphol airport being cancelled, but little actual damage.

The KNMI weather bureau had issued a code amber weather warning for most of the country, saying the storm could bring strong winds and hail stones of up to two centimetres in diameter.

In the event, there was some temporary flooding in Zeeland and up to 40 millimetres of rain fell in some places – more than half the June average, the AD reported.

Evening rush hour was also busy with 954 kilometres of jams at one point. The south west was worst affected.

Airline KLM said it had cancelled 18 flights to European destinations and some intercontinental flights were delayed. “All passengers have been re-booked onto the next available flight with seat capacity,” a spokesman told the AD.

The rain at the De Bilt weather station near Utrecht also ended the longest dry spell since records began. It was 39 days since it last rained.