Huge storm sweeps across Germany

Hurricane-force winds of more than 120km/h (74mph) are battering Germany and have forced the cancellation of dozens of flights.

German forecasters have advised people to stay indoors. Schools across Germany have suspended classes for the day.

The weather system is moving across western states and is expected to reach Berlin by Thursday evening.

German radio says more than 40,000 volunteers are on standby, as widespread damage is expected.

Germany's national rail company Deutsche Bahn has reduced the maximum speed of intercity trains to ordered 200km/h (124mph) - 100km/h slower than usual.

Britain and northern France have also been lashed by the storm.

A British container ship was listing in the English Channel almost 50 miles (80km) off Cornwall. All 26 crew of the MSC Napoli had abandoned ship and taken to liferafts.

The wind has whipped up waves to a height of nine metres (30ft), German media report.

Low-lying areas of northern Germany are preparing for possible flooding.