Northern Europe braced for gale force winds and floods

Scandinavian authorities have urged vigilance ahead of stormy weather (Scanpix/AP)

Authorities across northern Europe have urged vigilance as the region braces for heavy rain and gale force winds from the east as a severe storm sweeps through.

The gale force winds are expected to hit hardest in the eastern part of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula and the Danish islands in the Baltic Sea.