"Storm Wreaks Havoc in Northern Europe"

"The worst storm in years"

The fierce North Sea storm "Kyrill," with hurricane-force winds of up to 191 kph (118 mph), roared through Germany on Thursday, as schools and businesses closed so that childrens and workers could seek safety in their homes...

In the afternoon the storm reached parts of Germany, forcing the cancellation of more than 150 flights across the country. At the country's busiest airport, Frankfurt International, takeoffs and landings were at half of their normal capacity.

And with large sections of its network damaged by the storm, German national railway Deutsche Bahn ceased service on all long-distance trains. The decision came after an Intercity train in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, on its way to the popular coastal resort of Sylt, struck an uprooted tree....

Within just a few hours, the storm killed three people in Germany, caused significant damage and power outages in parts of the country. With a large number of trucks turned over by the wind, autobahns have also been closed. Ferry services to the Frisian islands has also been stopped....

Along the North Sea coast, flood warnings have been issued. The German Weather Service has also warned of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides across the country. During the next 24 hours, heavy rains of as much as 50 to 70 liters per square meter are feared....

Elsewhere in Europe, the situation isn't much calmer. Seven people were killed in Britain as wind gusts of up to 159 km/h (99 mph) hit the country, according to Reuters. The 62,000-ton ship "MS Napoli" sank off the coast of Cornwall, London Heathrow cancelled more than 120 flights, and the Eurostar rail service between London and Paris was disrupted after an electrical cable holder fell onto the tracks near the French city of Lille....

After ravaging Europe, the storm is expected to continue its path to the southeast -- with forecasts that it will strike Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria Friday.