A code red weather warning has been issued for the Dutch coastal provinces on Saturday and the KNMI weather bureau says winds of up to 110 kph may batter western parts of the country at times.

The code red alarm applies to Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland and Zeeland, where the storm is expected to hit from 11.00 hours. There is a code orange warning in Utrecht and Brabant, where winds may reach speeds as strong as 100 kph, the KNMI says.

The storm will be accompanied by thunder, heavy rail and hail, website nu.nl said.

Several events, include the Rotterdam summer carnival and the Amsterdam Live on Stage festival, have been cancelled because of the weather.

Drivers of ‘vulnerable’ vehicles, such as moped drivers, cars with trailers and caravans are being warned to be especially careful on the roads

Kite surfers and other water sport enthusiasts have been told to keep off the water and red flags are hanging at coastal resorts, broadcaster Nos said.