Four dead in storm as England warns of biggest storm in 60 years

At least four people have been reported dead after a major storm hit northern Europe, leaving thousands stranded and without electricity.

Winds of up to 228 km/h battered Scotland, where a lorry driver was killed when his vehicle was blown over near Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, two sailors were reportedly swept overboard from a ship 22 km (14 miles) off the southern Swedish coast, and air-sea rescue services failed to find them while falling trees has killed a man in England, and injured two more.

The storm has caused transport chaos and is threatening the biggest tidal surge in decades.

Dozens of flights were cancelled or delayed in the Netherlands, Germany and Scotland, while rail services were shut down in several countries.

One of Europe's longest bridges - connecting Sweden to Denmark - closed.

A storm surge is due later on Thursday, coinciding with high tides in many areas.

Britain's Environment Agency said tidal surges could bring significant coastal flooding, and the Thames Barrier was being closed to protect London.

British authorities said they had evacuated homes, adding that it could be the biggest storm surge for 60 years.

In the Netherlands, the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier has been closed off for the first time in six years while Dutch authorities issued the highest possible flood warning for four areas in the north and northwest of the country.