The KNMI weather bureau has issued a code red weather alarm for Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe because of black ice on the roads, which has already caused dozens of accidents.

The situation in some areas is “extreme”, according to the transport ministry’s highways authority. People living in the three provinces were sent a mobile phone alert about the weather at around 6.30 am, with the advice to stay home.

Train and bus services in the northern provinces have also been cancelled until later in the morning.

A code amber weather warning also applies in Overijssel and Flevoland, while a yellow warning is in place in Noord-Holland.

The roads in the north are so dangerous that in some areas gritting lorries have been unable to spread salt to reduce the ice layer, and one has already skidded off the road on the A6 motorway, the highways department said.

The last code red weather warning in the Netherlands was issued in July 2023 because of storm Poly, and the current warning will last until at least 10 am, a KNMI spokesman told broadcaster NOS.

“We’ve issued this warning to make sure people don’t use the roads,” he said. “If gritting lorries can’t get out, that should be a sign to everyone.”

The ice is expected to melt somewhat as the morning progresses.

Wednesday is again a day of sharp divisions in temperature but there will be sunny spells in most places. In the north, temperatures will barely rise above freezing and there could be some light snow in Groningen province itself.

However, weather bureau Weeronline says in the south temperatures could reach as high as 10°.