VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A flight from Brussels carrying Prime Minister Robert Abela was forced to circle over Malta for 45 minutes before landing safely at Luqa Airport on Thursday night as gale-force winds battered the island.
The aircraft touched down on its third attempt, as powerful gusts swept across the country, reaching up to 96km/h, according to the Meteorological Office.
A red weather warning was issued overnight by the Met Office and the Civil Protection Department (CPD), as winds intensified across exposed areas.
Despite the severe conditions, police and CPD spokespeople confirmed on Friday morning that no injuries were reported.
CPD officials, however, faced a demanding night, responding to multiple incidents involving fallen trees and hazardous billboards blown into the streets.
By Friday morning, the red warning was downgraded to orange. The Met Office said very strong west-northwest winds would persist until 1pm, at times reaching gale force, particularly in exposed areas.
Wind strength is forecast to ease slightly on Saturday, dropping to force four to five and shifting between south-southeast and west-northwest.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate again on Sunday, with winds forecast to reach force seven from a west-northwest direction.
Strong winds ranging from force five to seven are also predicted for Monday and Tuesday.
The CPD urged the public to avoid working at heights, including rooftops, balconies and scaffolding, and to steer clear of shorelines and breakwaters due to dangerous sea conditions.
Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items and exercise caution while driving, particularly in open areas prone to sudden crosswinds.
-Photo Civil Protection Malta-
(ITALPRESS).
