The Freeport was one of the casualties of the strong winds that pounded the islands yesterday, coming to a standstill as a result of the storm.

Shipping activity was disrupted early in the morning at the Malta Freeport Terminal as the wind whipped up high waves in Marsaxlokk, leaving three ships waiting outside the harbour.

Ships were unable to enter or leave port for a good part of the day and a number of fishing boats in the nearby bay slipped their moorings during the night and were only recovered thanks to prompt action by their owners.

Sources said the rough seas also affected fish farms off St Thomas Bay.

Civil Protection Department personnel were busy assisting people on the roads, particularly in Msida, Birkirkara and Marsascala.

A CPD spokesman said the majority of calls for assistance received were from people whose properties had flooded or from drivers trapped in the rain which poured in typically short but intense showers.

A wall collapsed in Stephanotis Street, San Ġwann, in the afternoon. Firemen, police officers and paramedics rushed to the scene but no casualties were reported.

A collision between a water bowser and a car brought traffic to a standstill in busy Rue d'Argens, Gżira. Luckily, no casualties were reported either.

The Meteorological Office said on its website that a low pressure system over southern Italy and extending towards the central Mediterranean was moving towards the Adriatic Sea as a ridge of high pressure extended from the Atlantic towards Algeria and Libya.

It said winds yesterday were very strong to gale force, becoming strong to very strong by the evening.

Today is also expected to be rainy, with winds blowing at force seven to force eight and later force six to force seven. More of the same is expected tomorrow but the wind is not likely to be as strong.

Sunday is expected to be cloudy with Monday and Tuesday again forecast to be characterised by showers, with winds increasing in strength.