Deadly floods hit Iraq as thunderstorms sweep across region

Deadly flash floods hit northern Iraq on Saturday as severe thunderstorms swept across the region, including in neighbouring Iran. The city of Erbil, in Iraq, was particularly badly hit, with extensive damage to homes and businesses. Streets were inundated as torrential rain fell over a short period.

Rainfall exceeded forecasts, with an estimated 80mm falling in the city, compared with expectations of 30mm. Two people were killed in the floods.

In Europe, Storm Bruna is forecast to bring strong winds to Portugal this week, particularly along the west coast. Gusts are expected to reach 50mph (80km/h), with heavy rain and thunderstorms also expected. The total rainfall could reach 200mm by the end of the week. The storm has already affected the Canary Islands, where Tenerife recorded a gust of 80mph on Saturday night.

Japan experienced a cold and snowy end to last week, with further snowfall expected in Hokkaido and parts of the mountains in the main island Honshu.

Temperatures in Japan are forecast to fall below the seasonal average early this week, with Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido prefecture, expected to plunge to 10C below average. Maximum temperatures in the city are likely to be about 4-6C on Monday and Wednesday, while Tuesday’s high is forecast to be about 0C. Minimum temperatures could fall to -6C by Wednesday, and -8C in other western parts of Hokkaido on Tuesday.

Ski resorts are preparing for visitors after snowfall began on Friday. Total snowfall is expected to reach 30-50cm around Kiroro and Niesko, with about 20-30cm in Furano, Rusutsu and Sapporo.

Other resorts could receive up to 20cm of snow by Wednesday. Strong winds accompanied the snow on Friday and over the weekend, with gusts of about 75mph in Kiroko and Niesko.