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Whirlwind memories! Remembering the tornado that struck Cottonera 10 years ago today
Boat owners and feast celebrants were taken by surprise as they sought shelter from the gale-force winds

Francesca Vella

The page It-Temp Madwarna reminds us of a tornado that hit the Cottonera area 10 years ago today, shocking all those in the vicinity who had to seek shelter immediately. Several boats in the Grand Harbour were in difficulty, as their owners struggled to secure their vessels against the sudden gale-force winds.

Storm conditions had been developing over the island and were met with the warm seas one would expect at the height of summer. This combination led to a tornado in the southern harbour region, as well as other smaller storms all over the island.

Celebrants of the feast of St Laurence in Birgu had their festivities ruined as those present had to run for cover from the sudden downpour of heavy rain, that ended up flooding some areas of the island despite the short duration of the storm.

Funnily enough, despite the storms, the sun is still shone brightly over the Maltese Islands for the most part, and temperatures remained high.

Do you remember the storms of 8th August 2015?

8th August 2025


Francesca Vella
Written by
Francesca Vella
Francesca has always felt most at home in a cinema or theatre, particularly if musicals are involved. She loves to read, write, and share about her experiences of both the fictional and the real world.

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