Worst storm in decades batters Malta with damaging winds, rough seas
Crazy storms hit the island of Malta this weekend which blew in fish on the shore. The powerful winds, caused high waves that made for an easy catch. Men braved the extreme elements to make their pick.
A fierce storm whipped through Malta this past weekend, disrupting transportation, downing trees, cutting power and unleashing pounding waves along the coast.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said the storm was the worst to hit the islands since October 1982, according to the Times of Malta.
Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea off the southwestern tip of Italy.
The peak wind gust during the storm was 133 km/h (82 mph) in Valletta. Other locations across the islands were battered by extreme winds as well.
A wind gust of 101 km/h (63 mph) recorded at a weather station in Gharb set an all-time record for the site, according to the Times of Malta.
The strong winds littered roads with downed trees, power lines and other debris, turning them into an obstacle course for anyone who dared to venture out. Numerous road closures were reported.
"Many roads are closed," Malta Public Transport said. "This is affecting all bus routes, with buses being diverted by the authorities."
Several flights out of Malta International Airport were canceled or delayed.
The Civil Protection Department received calls to 300 separate sites to remove debris and evacuate residents from flooded homes, the Times of Malta reported.
The Malta Marathon, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, was canceled due to the poor weather conditions, according to the Times of Malta. More than 4,000 runners were expected to take part in the event.
“This decision has been taken in the interest of the safety of the participants, the volunteers, the general public and all third parties involved,” organizers stated in a Facebook post.
This was the first time organizers had to cancel the race in its 34-year history.
Farmers across the region were hit hard, with damage estimates to crops and structures in the millions of euros.
Waves driven by strong gusts of wind hit the coast of Malta, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Rene Rossignaud)
Waves pounded coastal areas, flooding promenades and washing fish up onto the land.
The rough seas destroyed a restaurant on the water in St. Julian’s, the Times of Malta reported.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries from the storm.
The Maltese government has requested funds from the European Commission to assist in recovery efforts.
Dry, seasonable weather should prevail for continued cleanup efforts through midweek. Gusty winds are possible on Wednesday and again on Saturday, but not to the level that was experienced over the weekend.
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