Heavy snowfall in the Netherlands is seriously hampering pre-Christmas travel plans.

The KNMI meteorological centre has issued a weather alert. Roads across the country are treacherous. Roads have been salted, but because there is less traffic, it has had little effect. Snow ploughs have been dispatched on some roads.

There were several accidents up and down the country on Sunday. A Belgian woman died when her vehicle slid off the A27 motorway into a ditch. Two lorries have jackknifed on the A7. The ANWB Dutch motoring association has warned people to not drive unless essential.

The Dutch rail company NS has warned that trains are running a skeleton service on Monday, with all Intercity connections cancelled. Prorail advises against travelling.

Various bus companies, including Veolia in Brabant and HTM in The Hague, on Sunday decided to cancel their services. Passengers for flights from Schiphol should also expect 45-minute delays.

The Dutch football association, the KNVB, cancelled all five matches planned for Sunday.

Photo: Bicycle in the snow - Flickr/betterpharm