Hurricane winds have brought heavy damage to several regions of Poland.

The worse struck have been the West Pomeranian, Kujawsko-Pomorskie and Greater Poland regions, in the coastal north-west and north as well as in the mid-west of the country.

Spokesman for the National Fire Service Pawel Fratczak told Polish Radio local fire teams had to intervene in more than 1,600 cases over the past 24 hours.

Gusty winds of up to 100 km per hour brought down power lines depriving some 18 thousand households of electricity.

Six people, mostly drivers, sustained serious injuries when falling trees hit their vehicles. Cars were forced off the roads by powerful and gusty winds. Many houses have also suffered from blown off roofs.

Weather forecasts speak of a continuation of windy conditions on Sunday, though with subsiding force.  (ss)