Drivers in the northern half of the Netherlands are being warned to be extremely careful on the roads during Wednesday’s rush hour, because of the continuing problems posed by black ice.

The KNMI weather bureau issued a code orange weather warning for three more provinces, adding Overijssel, Flevoland and Gelderland to the list alongside Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe. The tip of Noord-Holland may also be affected by icy conditions, the KNMI said.

The freezing conditions in the north are a sharp contrast to the south of the country, where it remains around 7C.

Accidents

Officials from the transport ministry’s road department urged drivers to slow down and leave sufficient space between them and other vehicles. Overnight there were a number of accidents throughout the region and long tailbacks on the A7.

So far at least three million kilos of gritting salt have been used to try to keep the roads clear, the transport ministry told local paper Leeuwarder Courant.

Although not expected to be as severe as Tuesday, the wintry weather continues to have an impact on schools and other institutions, news agency ANP said. In Groningen, primary schools will open at 10.00 and secondary school schedules are also disrupted.

Buses

Public transport firms said they hoped normal service will be resumed on Wednesday. On Tuesday, trains and buses were cancelled throughout the northern provinces.

However, travellers are warned they still may face delays depending on localised conditions.

Groningen University’s teaching hospital set up 130 beds to allow staff to stay overnight in an effort to head off staffing shortages because of the transport disruption.

The wind is expected to change direction overnight on Thursday, bringing warmer and windier weather to the north, the KNMI said.