Updated 10am - Rush hour traffic was brought to a virtual standstill by a thunderstorm this morning, and the airport was closed for some time because of technical problems affecting air traffic control.

Motorists started their working week late as thousands of cars were trapped in long traffic jams in the rain. 

It was also a nightmare start to the academic year for students of the Junior College, Mcast and the University. One driver said it took him one hour 45 minutes to drive from Naxxar to Ħamrun.

There were no immediate reports of flooding, except for Burmarrad and Gzira seafront. Motorists also reported a number of manhole covers having been dislodged, especially in Naxxar Road between Lija and Mosta and in Marsa.

Flights were also affected, with a number of arrivals and departures delayed because of problems at air traffic control, which suffered a power cut. Malta Air Traffic Services said its equipment suffered a lightning strike.

A flight from Rome was diverted to Palermo.

Malta International Airport said that following technical issues experienced at Malta Air Traffic Services and the subsequent airport closure as a safety precaution, the following flights were affected:
Ryanair flight FR7591 from Rome Fiumicino
Ryanair flight FR7592 to Rome Fiumicino
Wizzair flight W67766 to Skopje
Airmalta flight KM116 to London Gatwick
Airmalta flight KM306 to Munich

While apologising to affected passengers for any inconvenience caused, the airspace has now reopened and airport operations have resumed.

Storm damage this morning also put TVM off air. 

Thundery showers are expected to continue through to tomorrow, with isolated rain likely on Wednesday before the weather dries up for the rest of the week.