WATCH: The Maltese Islands may be next to be hit by a ‘Medicane’ (Mediterranean hurricane)
The meteorological office issues a ‘very strong’ wind warning.
Strong winds have engulfed the Maltese Islands over the past few days. Yesterday, boats suffered severe damage as a result of being washed up on shores due to howling winds from the northeast, and the Meteorological Office has issued strong wind warnings over the last three days, which are in effect up until 11pm tonight.
Sadly, that's not likely to be the end of the bad weather to hit our islands this week. Footage uploaded on Facebook by Malta Weather shows the formation of a Mediterranean Hurricane, or ‘Medicane’, in the south of the Mediterranean over the next few days, which may also hit the Maltese Islands. International reports predict that this Medicane, named Zorbas, will hit Greece this weekend.
Police have issued a warning to motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area in Valletta known as il-Fossa, and many people are also avoiding places such as Sliema and St Julian’s, Bugibba, Mellieha and Xemxija, where the sea has become very rough.
When approached, the Met Office commented that from current forecasts, the winds over the Maltese Islands are expected to be Force 4 to Force 5 on Friday and Saturday, blowing from NNW and NW respectively. Over the next few days, they'll keep monitoring the situation, and will issue further necessary warnings when and if required.
If you're on the islands over the next few days, the best advice is to exercise caution - check the forecast before you head out, and avoid areas where the sea is known to be rough. And if you're staying indoors, you can still make the most of the islands - why not check out these great indoor activities in Malta? They'll make you forget all about that pesky hurricane!