WARSAW: At least three people were killed as severe storms lashed central Europe on Thursday, with winds of up to 181kph causing widespread travel disruption.
In Poland, gusts of up to 125kph seriously damaged more than 500 homes, felled hundreds of trees and left 324,000 households across the country without power overnight.
Police said two people died and two were injured after storms toppled a large crane at a construction site in Krakow.
Another person was killed by a tree that fell on his car in the west of the country.
The Czech Republic was also hit, with more than 300,000 households left without power and extensive traffic disruptions as fallen trees blocked roads and railways.
The strongest winds with gusts of 181kph were recorded on Snezka, the highest Czech mountain, in the north.
Three children were taken to hospital with injuries after a car accident in the southwest of the country. Wind lifted the bonnet of a car, causing the driver to swerve and crash into another car head-on.
Gales also damaged or destroyed roofs across the country.
In the Netherlands, which was hit with gusts of up to 100kph, a police officer was injured by roofing that had blown off a commercial building in Duiven, near Arnhem, public broadcaster NOS said.
Firefighters cut two people from a car after a tree fell on it in the southern town of Maasluis. They were later taken to hospital.
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport reported flight delays of up to 45 minutes, while some rail services were cancelled.
Britain's meteorological service issued a rare "red weather" alert for Thursday and Friday, warning of "danger to life" from severe gusts in southwestern England and south Wales.
Ireland also warned of "severe and damaging winds" and the possibility of coastal flooding.
In Germany, schools were closed in several states and police warned residents to stay at home and avoid parks or forests.
The strongest winds were felt on Brocken, the highest point in the Harz highlands in central Germany, with speeds of up to 152kph.
Long-distance trains were halted throughout northern Germany, including in Hamburg, Berlin and Bremen, until midday on Thursday at the earliest, national rail operator Deutsche Bahn said.
Significant cancellations and delays were also expected on regional services.
Airline Lufthansa cancelled 20 flights destined for Hamburg, Berlin and Munich, departing from Frankfurt, the country's largest airport.
Travellers were encouraged to consult the company's website to check the status of their flight.
The storms are expected to persist through Friday and into Saturday, with hurricane-force gales expected in many areas. – AFP