Weather bureau KNMI has issued a code orange weather warning for the whole of the Netherlands for Sunday afternoon, forecasting that winds of up to 120kph will batter coastal areas as Storm Ciara hits.

The Dutch football association has cancelled all tomorrow’s matches, saying it would be irresponsible to let the players on the pitch and ask fans to make their journeys to the games. The KNVB will decide next week when to make time for the lost fixtures.

Airline KLM has cancelled 40 flights – 20 incoming and 20 outgoing – and travellers who have been affected can change their trip until February 18 without extra costs.

The transport ministry has also warned drivers with a caravan or trailer not to use the roads late in the day because of the expected strong winds.

The wind will pick up throughout Sunday, reaching storm force 9 or possibly 10 in the west by late afternoon and evening. Inland the winds will reach up to gale force 7 or 8.

In the evening, heavy rain will move in from the north west to the south east and the wind will turn slightly, and could gust by as much as 140kpn on the coast, according to the Weerplaza weather bureau.

Monday and Tuesday will also be windy and wet, but with some sunny spells.