The KNMI weather bureau has issued a code orange storm warning for western parts of the country, saying winds of up to 110 kph could hit coastal areas on Thursday evening.

The code orange alert applies to Zeeland, Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland, Flevoland, Friesland and across the Wadden Sea.

The wind, which will be at its peak between 9pm and 2am as it moves up the country, could cause widespread damage to trees which have been weakened by the prolonged drought, weather forecasters say.

The rest of the country is subject to a code yellow warning with winds of up to 80 kph as well as hail and heavy rain. This may cause localised flooding.

Zojuist even een klein dijkje gemaakt in Otterlo. Hopen dat het niet nodig is. pic.twitter.com/5S9eIkZW3O — Gabrielle Hazeleger (@gabhazeleger) August 9, 2018