The KNMI weather bureau issued a code amber weather warning for the northern provinces of Friesland, Drenthe and Groningen, as well as the Wadden Sea islands, on Friday morning as strong winds and more snow moved in.

Qbuzz services in Groningen and Drenthe have been cancelled until at least midday because of the weather, which is causing drifting on the roads.

Nevertheless, the transport ministry’s roads department said motorists had adapted to the weather conditions, although there had been a few accidents on the A7 and A32.

Train services in the north are operating a “winter” timetable, with fewer trains, and passengers travelling south will have to change at Zwolle.

The freezing temperatures are expected to continue into the weekend, with heavy frosts overnight.

There may be more snow in the south on Saturday, and Sunday will be dry with sunshine, but the temperature will remain below freezing in most places. In the north, the temperature could plunge to as low as -15°

Warmer air will move into the Netherlands from the west on Monday, kicking off the thaw, Weeronline said.