Czechia battered by strong winds

Over 260,000 homes, predominantly in Central Bohemia, have been left without power due to gale-force winds that have been battering the Czech Republic since Thursday morning with a force of up to 120 kilometres an hour.

Firefighters and emergency crews have been working around the clock to clear roads and railway lines from fallen trees. A number of rail links have had to be scrapped.

In Prague, tram service has been distrupted and the Václav Havel Airport was forced to temporarily suspended operation. A high wind warning remains in place throughout the day. Several injuries have so far been reported.