Storm Conall is now officially the second storm of this autumn, and the sixth in 2024, after gale force nine wind speeds were recorded in IJmuiden for over an hour.

Ferry services between the mainland and the Wadden Sea islands have been cancelled because of the strong winds, which are mainly affecting northern coastal areas.

The storm has also led to long jams in the north, reaching 900 kilometres by 4.30 pm as commuters left work to get home early. Train travellers are also experiencing some disruption and around 100 flights have been cancelled from and to Schiphol airport.

By 7 pm, the strongest gust of wind recorded was 114 kph, but the KNMI weather bureau said wind speeds of up to 130 kph could not be ruled out.

The KNMI issued a code amber weather warning for the north of the country, with yellow in Gelderland, Utrecht and Zuid-Holland. The three southern provinces will escape the strong winds, the KNMI said.

The storm will move into Germany later on Wednesday evening.