The KNMI weather bureau issued a code yellow weather warning for much of the Netherlands on Thursday morning, saying slippery conditions on the roads are likely.

Wet snow and hail fell overnight, causing problems on some roads in places where the temperature dipped below freezing.

Zeeland, Zuid-Holland and the Wadden islands are not covered by the weather warning.

Gritting lorries were out in force to combat problems for morning commuters, but traffic jams stretching a total of some 1,000 kilometres had built up by around 8 am, according to motoring organisation ANWB.

Snow showers will move across the country on Thursday, possibly accompanied by thunder, and these are likely to affect the north east in particular, the KNMI said. More sleet and wet snow is likely on Friday.

By the weekend, the sleet will have turned to rain, and the KNMI says overcast, chilly weather with some rain at times is likely up towards early next week.