The KNMI weather bureau issued a code orange warning for very strong winds of up to 120 kph in northern coastal areas on Tuesday afternoon.

Winds of between 100 kph and 120 kph will batter Noord-Holland and Friesland, the KNMI said. In other coastal areas, the winds will reach 110 kph while inland the winds will be as strong as 90 kph.
By 15.30 hours, there were already reports of storm damage caused by falling trees and on the A9, near Amsterdam, a giant advertising hoarding had blown over. According to the Telegraaf, a number of local roads in the north of Noord-Holland have been closed to traffic.
Motoring organisations urged drivers to be extra careful in the strong winds and there were also warnings for shipping.
The storm-force gales, accompanied at times by heavy rain, are expected to continue into the night.
According to Nos television, there has been so much rain in recent days that water levels are extremely high and in Friesland pumping stations are working flat out.
More to follow