Strong north-easterly winds sweep across Malta & Gozo

Update: All through the evening and night very strong north-easterly winds, gregale, have swept across Gozo and Malta. The strongs winds and thunderstorms are continuing this morning with gusts reaching storm force 10.

Marsalforn was very badly hit this morning by the strong winds, rain and high waves, causing flooding and destruction along the promenade.

The MetOffice are this morning forecasting easterly force 8, locally reaching force 8 to 9 at times, gradually decreasing to force 5 or 6. With a Strong Gregale for Valletta Harbours and Marsamxett. Gale to severe gale force warning for sea areas 50Nm radius of Malta.

The bad weather has caused damage across the islands with trees uprooted, fallen walls, some flooding and damaged boats.

Update: Enemalta has advised that some overhead lines were damaged by the strong winds through Friday night and early Saturday, which may lead to loss of power supply in certain areas around Malta, these include parts of Mellieha, Mgarr, Rabat, Marsa and Marsaxlokk.

“Employees are currently attempting to locate all the faults, however, works can only begin once the wind and rain have eased for safety reasons,” Enemalta said.

Enemalta is urging the public to call on freephone number 80072224 or 21223601 to report any uprooted poles or low hanging cables. “Caution should be exercised in these cases and cables should not be approached or touched, though cables generally trip if live parts come into contact with earth or water,” Enemalta said.

“The calls will aid Enemalta in locating faults easily which will lead to quicker restoration of supply once works can begin,” Enemalta concluded.