London ? A powerful windstorm lashed Britain and northwestern Europe on Sunday, killing at least 24 people many crushed by falling trees.

Falling trees killed six people in Britain, where gusts surpassed 95 mph. Six people also died in the Netherlands, including two who were blown into the North Sea and believed drowned.

Five people were known dead in Germany, four in northern France, two in Belgium and one in Switzerland.

The gales uprooted trees, ripped off roofs and played havoc with rail, air, sea and road travel.

Thousands of people across England and Wales were without power, and police said many buildings sustained structural damage.

In the Netherlands, the storm disrupted train and highway traffic and caused major delays at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.

Flights were also cancelled in Paris and London.