Kyle Bonello - mynews@timesofmalta.comA sudden storm which struck Malta at about 12.10pm uprooted trees, caused some localised flooding and forced a number of flights to be diverted.
Flights from Frankfurt, Luton and Tunis were diverted while other flights were delayed as Malta was lashed by heavy rain and very strong winds, accompanied by thunder.
At the Freeport there was some tension as a ship broke some of its moorings. The powerful gusts of wind also toppled some empty containers packed high on land.
In Zebbug (Malta) a greenhouse worth several thousand euros collapsed.
A low boundary wall collapsed in Canon Road, Sta Venera while an electricity pole came down near Ghaxaq. Several rubble walls in Malta and Gozo also collapsed.
Some boats were damaged at Birzebbuga.
The police advised motorists to avoid low-lying areas. Msida, in particular, suffered the usual flooding and a number of cars stalled.
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Photo - Ian Tirchett
An uprooted tree in Lija.
Picture Fabian Farrugia
Matthew Cassar - Lightning strike at Sta Lucija, Gozo.
Mellieha
Photo Connie Agius - mynews@timesofmalta.com Facebook times of malta
Photo Toni Muscat - mynews@timesofmalta.com
Ramla Rd, Gozo. Photo Toni Muscat - mynews@timesofmalta.com
Picture Andrea Muscat - mynews@timesofmalta.com
Picture Andrea Muscat - mynews@timesofmalta.com
A tree blocks the entrance of Sliema primary school. Picture - Joe Farrugia.
The collapsed greenhouse in Zebbug.(Lawrence Camilleri)