Gale-force winds are forecast to hit parts of north-west Europe as countries braced for a storm that is expected to bring flooding to coastal areas, Belfast Telegraph said.

Weather forecasters have predicted winds gusting up to 87mph on Germany's North Sea coast. Ferry operators cancelled services to some of Germany's North Sea islands and the country's national railway, Deutsche Bahn, warned of likely disruption across a swathe of northern Germany.

Train services in Denmark were also being suspended.

The Netherlands braced for the storm by closing water barriers that protect the low-lying country from high tides.

The Oosterscheldekering in the south-western delta region of the country was being closed to protect the land behind it for the first time since 2007.

National carrier KLM cancelled dozens of flights to European airports as a precaution.

The German Weather Service said the storm front, which was gathering strength as it headed eastwards from the Atlantic Ocean off Greenland, would also bring polar air to Europe - meaning that it could bring snow to low-lying areas.