Wind speeds of nearly 100 km/h have been recorded in coastal towns, with forecasters warning the stormy weather will continue into Tuesday morning.

Four parked cars were badly damaged in Rotterdam harbour after winds of around 90km brought down a stack of shipping containers. Nobody was injured in the incident.

The highest wind speeds recorded so far have been 97 km/h in Wijk aan Zee and 92 km/h in coastal parts of Zeeland.

The meteorological office KNMI issued a code yellow warning for all provinces apart from Overijssel, Gelderland, Noord-Brabant and Limburg from noon on Monday, which will remain in force for the north-west region until 8am.

A fallen tree forced a tram route to be diverted in Rotterdam, while in Lichtenvoorde, Gelderland, a traditional flower parade was called off as a precaution.

Heavy rain and local thunderstorms could hit coastal regions overnight, with temperatures dropping to 12-14 degrees. On Tuesday the wind will gradually die down and patches of sun will appear. The temperature will reach 19C in the south, average for mid-September.