Though yesterday’s thunderstorm produced just six millimetres of rainfall on average around the island, it was still enough to cause power cuts and minor flooding in some areas.
The rain was sporadic and residents in some parts were oblivious to it, as highlighted by the fact that firemen were called to put out a grass fire in Pembroke.
According to the Met Office, the worst hit area was Luqa where 25.2 millimetres of rain were measured until noon.
This caused minor flooding in several parts of Malta International Airport, including the car park and the entrance.
Photos of the airport’s flooded underground passageway went viral on social media, with some jokers dubbing the place as the new MIA national aquarium.
Residents in some parts were oblivious to it, calling firemen to put out a grass fire
At one point the Civil Protection Department issued a warning advising drivers to avoid the Kirkop Tunnel. However, the situation was back to normal shortly after noon.
Though the amount of rain recorded by the Met Office in Selmun was only 2.2 millimetres, heavy rain as well as hailstorms were reported in nearby Mġarr, Manikata and Mellieħa.
In a number of arterial roads around Siġġiewi and Żebbuġ there was an outflow of sewage strong enough to lift manhole covers.
Power cuts were reported in some localities, with Enemalta saying that parts of the distribution network, including some overhead lines, were damaged by strong winds.
The localities affected included Siġġiewi, Rabat, Dingli, Żebbuġ, St Paul’s Bay, Xemxija, Mistra and Selmun.
In Gozo, 6.9mm of rain was measured, with CPD personnel assisting motorists whose cars had stalled.
In Xagħra a wall collapsed while the Gozo Ministry took action to remove some debris and mud that was carried down to Xlendi.
Yesterday’s rainfall was the first in August since 2006, when about eight millimetres of rain fell on the ninth day of the month.
The average rainfall for August is 7.1mm, but there have been exceptions, most notably in 1964 when 155mm of rain fell.
According to the Met Office, more thunderstorms could be on their way in the morning today, with the weather expected to revert to normal later on.