Updated 7.10pm
Weather conditions are poised to worsen overnight as winds rise to reach speeds of force 7 or 8 on Sunday morning, the Civil Protection Department has warned.
The CPD issued a yellow weather warning across Malta for Sunday.
“Weather conditions are expected to worsen from the early morning hours of Sunday, with winds strengthening during the daytime, reaching Force 7-8 at times, accompanied by gusts. Conditions will also include rough seas,” the warning noted.
Meteorologists expect westerly winds to veer northwest throughout the day. The Malta Met Office also issued a Yellow weather warning effective until 7pm on Sunday. Conditions are expected to improve by Monday, though a bout of blood rain – rain mixed with dust or sand particles – is forecast for Wednesday.
The public has been told to exercise caution throughout Sunday morning, secure loose or outdoor objects and remain alert to changing weather conditions.
Anyone requiring emergency assistance can contact hotline 112.
The weather warning follows a prolonged bout of wet and windy weather that reached its apex when a cyclone dubbed Storm Harry hit the island earlier this month. That storm saw windspeeds reach maximums of 56 knots – equivalent to 103 kilometres per hour.
Force 8 winds are considered gale-force and can reach maximums of 74 kilometres per hour.
By noon on Saturday, seawater had already surged inland in Marsascala, with people being warned to avoid low-lying spots close to the coastline in the locality.
OHSA, BCA
The Occupational Health & Safety Authority and the Building and Construction Authority, meanwhile, urged for continued caution when carrying out outdoor works, particularly on construction sites.
The OHSA said work close to the sea should be avoided.
Necessary inspections should also be carried out by project supervisors and health and safety professionals, so that any damage that could create a risk is addressed immediately and the health and safety of all workers is safeguarded.
It warned:
- Avoid outdoor work at heights or near unstable structures
- Avoid work on roofs, scaffolding, or elevated walkways
- Secure or remove all loose materials, tools, equipment, and temporary structures
- Ensure signage and site communications reflect current conditions
- Maintain clear emergency access at all times
- Exercise caution near trees, power lines, and temporary structures
- Advise workers to plan travel carefully, allow extra time, and stay alert for debris or falling objects near car parks and entry points
- Tower cranes must be left free to slew when unattended and must not have suspended loads
The BCA noted that while construction work cannot be carried out on Sundays, emergency work will be allowed so that workers can remove any dangerous structure.
More information on 138.