'Code red' storm causes Dutch and German transport chaos

© Andrew Bartlett

Ports and airports across northern Europe are facing chaos today as the storm, which began last night, continues to batter the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Romania and the eastern coast of the UK. Schiphol was closed for several hours and KLM cancelled some 230 flights, while the ports of Rotterdam, Ghent, Felixstowe and London Gateway suffered disruption or closure. One website reports 17 lorries had blown over in the Netherlands where wind speeds reached up to 140 kph (90 mph). Rail services are also affected.