The KNMI weather bureau and motoring organisation ANWB have issued a code amber weather warning for Limburg and Noord-Brabant because of the snow, which is expected to cause hazardous travel conditions during Thursday morning’s rush hour.

Gelderland too may experience problems, particularly in the east, the agencies said.

The snowfall began, as forecast, on Wednesday evening, with most expected in the southeast of the country. Up to 10 centimetres could fall in the Limburg hills, weather bureaus say.

The snow is causing problems on the roads, and this may lead to more traffic congestion at a local level, the ANWB told Nu.nl. Rail travel could also be disrupted.

On Wednesday, two people were killed in traffic accidents caused by slippery conditions in the north of the country. Several people also ended up in hospital with broken bones.

The snow is expected to move out over Germany by late morning. Later in the day, there could be more wintry showers, occasionally accompanied by thunder and hail.