Fierce winds cause chaos in Poland

Gusts felled trees which damaged overhead power lines, causing delays to trains in the southern Śląsk region.

Higher temperatures in recent days accompanied by rain have caused snow to melt, raising the level of rivers in the area.

Firefighters were called out over 700 times across the country.

The authorities have warned householders to remove objects from balconies which could be swept away by the wind, posing a threat to others, and to avoid parking cars under trees.

Strong winds of up to 100 kph were expected to continue to buffet Poland on Friday.

High in the mountains, gusts of up to 130 kph were expected.

Later in the day, winds were expected to gradually weaken.

(pk)

Source: PAP/IAR