Tourists and locals are bracing themselves for two days of strong winds, rains and storm. The powerful storm is currently building over northern France and looks set to turn into a hurricane overnight. During the earlier hours of Friday, the storm will move on to Belgium and Holland. And hours later, it will strike on Germany’s coasts, according to forecasters.

Who would expect such a massive hurricane in August, almost out of nowhere? Meteorologist Dominik Jung

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning alerting locals of dangerous winds in the west regions of the country. Meteorologist Dominik Jung from the German weather portal Wetter.net said: "Currently, the European weather model has the most severe predictions. "They predict gusts of around 140km/h to 150km/h." Other models made less ominous predictions, but even the mildest ones see winds of 120km/h or 130km/h hitting Germany.

Hurricane-force winds and tornadoes are expected to hit the North Sea coastline tomorrow

The Beaufort scale, a measurement which assesses the strength of the wind, considers a hurricane any wind sweeping at a speed higher than 118km/h (or 73mph). Mr Jung warned such a “massive” hurricane is not common in the area and in this time of the year. He said: "And from this low, a surrounding ridge of low pressure will form. And that will probably cause the violent gale gusts. “Who would expect such a massive hurricane in August, almost out of nowhere?"

Heavy rain will start to plague France tonight to later move across Europe

The map shows the areas affected by the rain forecasted for August 9 at 8pm

The atypical phenomenon is triggered by the heatwave which has been gripping central Europe for weeks. Germany, France and The Netherlands are currently experiencing record-high temperatures, with thermometers reaching even 36C. AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys explained: "The clash between the stifling heat already in place and the new, cooler air will make for violent thunderstorms across Western Europe. "Even an isolated tornado or two is possible, especially in the valleys of northern Spain and north-central Germany.”

The map shows the storm building over France on Thursday

Experts warned disruption and havoc are to be expected. A DWD spokesperson said “streets could become flooded”, adding the hurricane will likely cause falling trees, hail and heavy rains as well. And Mr Roys pleaded for caution. He said: “Any time you encounter flooded roadways, turn around immediately and do not try to pass through the flooding.” The heavy rain will make pour from the sky water volumes of up to 40 litres per square metre, according to DWD.

The map shows the strength of the wind as forecasted for Friday morning