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Huge storm sweeps across Germany Huge storms sweep northern Europe
(40 minutes later)
Hurricane-force winds of more than 120km/h (74mph) are battering Germany and have forced the cancellation of dozens of flights. At least 10 people have been killed as violent storms lashed northern Europe, causing travel chaos across the region.
German forecasters have advised people to stay indoors. Schools across Germany have suspended classes for the day. Britain was the worst hit with seven people killed as heavy downpours and gales of up to 70mph swept the country.
The weather system is moving across western states and is expected to reach Berlin by Thursday evening. The hurricane-force winds battering Germany have claimed at least three lives and two people are reported to have died in the Netherlands.
German radio says more than 40,000 volunteers are on standby, as widespread damage is expected. The severe weather has forced hundreds of flight and ferry cancellations and prompted road and school closures.
Germany's national rail company Deutsche Bahn has reduced the maximum speed of intercity trains to ordered 200km/h (124mph) - 100km/h slower than usual. The BBC's Steve Rosenberg in Berlin says schools have been shut and emergency services have mobilised extra staff.
In pictures: Europe lashed Britain and northern France have also been lashed by the storm. In pictures: Europe lashed The weather system is moving across western states. German radio says more than 40,000 volunteers are on standby, as widespread damage is expected.
A British container ship was listing in the English Channel almost 50 miles (80km) off Cornwall. All 26 crew of the MSC Napoli had abandoned ship and taken to liferafts.
The wind has whipped up waves to a height of nine metres (30ft), German media report.
Low-lying areas of northern Germany are preparing for possible flooding.Low-lying areas of northern Germany are preparing for possible flooding.
In the Netherlands, as in Germany, forecasters have advised people to stay indoors.
"Our country has not had a storm like this in years. We advise you to follow weather alarms and messages to the letter," the Netherlands' Royal Weather Service said.
Northern France has also been lashed by the storm.
In other developments:
  • A British container ship is listing in the English Channel almost 50 miles (80km) off Cornwall - all 26 crew of the MSC Napoli abandoned ship
  • US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cuts short her visit to Berlin in order to leave for London before weather worsened
  • London's Heathrow Airport, Europe's largest, cancels 123 flights. Other major airports including Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam and Vienna report delays and cancellations
  • Ferries are cancelled or delayed in Britain, Ireland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Finland - where minor floods are reported near Helsinki
  • Residents along the North Sea coast are warned to expect storm swells up to 3.5m (11.5ft) higher than normal
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