In Europe and large parts of the US it has been a week of plunging temperatures and heavy snow

Severe weather hit South Africa this week, with intense thunderstorms, flooding and reported tornadoes. The South African weather service issued multiple warnings for provinces across central and eastern parts of the country, covering the risk of torrential downpours, strong winds, hail and lightning.

One tornado, in Pretoria North on Tuesday, damaged hundreds of homes, vehicles and buildings and uprooted trees. By the end of the week, areas in eastern South Africa may record cumulative rainfall of about 100-150mm.