11 dead as huge storms batter Europe

BERLIN - Eleven people including two firefighters were killed on Thursday as violent gales battered northern Europe, snapping air and train links.

Germany halted all long-distance rail traffic for at least a day, while numerous domestic flights were scrapped as hurricane-force winds lashed the country.

The storm claimed eight lives in Germany, including two firefighters deployed in emergency operations and two truck drivers whose vehicles were blown over.