The strong wind hits Malta, ferry operations stopped
The bad weather in Malta continued on Sunday stopping the operation of the ferries with a strong wind forecast.
The Meteorological Office has issued an orange warning that the north-east wind will be very strong on the Maltese islands, reaching gale force on the exposed areas.
It also warned that moderate to heavy rain or snow showers were also expected.
The office also issued a strong gregale warning to sailors for the ports of Valletta and Marsamxett and added that in the sea areas within a radius of 50 nautical miles of Malta, the north-east wind will reach force strong and sometimes reaches a strong bural.
The sea will be very rough to high during the day and become very rough overnight.
The warnings came out as an air of depression over the Maltese islands moved towards the gulf of Sirte.
The wind force 8 from the northeast, locally force 8 to 9 wind during the night is expected to drop to force 6, the Met Office said. The warning is until 10pm.
Meanwhile, Gozo remains isolated as both fast and normal ferry trips are cancelled.
Along the Tas-Sliema promenade, civil protection officers were seen this afternoon cutting down a tree that had fallen on a passenger car.
An officer said they had been attending to similar calls all day.
Virtu Ferries said on Facebook that its trips to Gozo remain canceled until Monday.
The Gozo Channel also warned that due to the bad weather forecast, the operation of its ferries could be delayed or cancelled.
Meanwhile, the Maltese Roads Traffic Updates Facebook group uploaded a photo of the current situation in Imġarr, Gozo, heading towards the ferry terminal while readers called to report a break in the service.
Virtu Ferries also introduced additional trips to Pozzallo on Monday, after canceling its Sunday trips.
The wind also led to the closure of a road leading from Tas-Sliema to San Điljan after the strong wind brought down the scaffolding.
I noticed something worth reporting. Write to us at [email protected].
Independent journalism costs money. Times of Malta support for price of a coffee.
Support us