Updated 8.10pm
The Civil Protection Department issued a yellow weather warning for Thursday, saying it was in effect across the islands based on the information provided by the Met Office.
The Home Affairs Ministry flagged the warning in a statement on Wednesday evening.
The ministry said weather conditions were expected to worsen from the early morning hours of Thursday, with winds getting stronger overnight and during the day, reaching Force seven to eight at times, accompanied by gusts.
The Met Office had not yet issued a warning by 8pm Wednesday. By then, it was forecasting cloudy weather with some rain overnight. A moderate south-southwest wind will later increase to a very strong westerly wind. On Thursday, the wind is expected to reach gale force speed during the day.
It told Times of Malta that the wind was expected to reach 30KT gusting 40KT from a west-southwest direction early in the morning, then veering west.
“The Met Office expects to issue an orange wind warning later on,” it added.
Malta is still recoiling from the damage left by Storm Harry last week, and, more recently, the death of 13-year-old Oliwia Wojnowska, who was swept away by rough seas at Ċirkewwa on Monday.
The CPD is urging the public to:
• Exercise increased caution, particularly during the morning and daytime hours
• Secure loose or outdoor objects
• Remain alert to changing conditions
• Follow official instructions and advisories issued by the authorities
• Call 112 in case of emergency.
The department said it will remain on standby and continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with other emergency services.
Minister Byron Camilleri added his voice to the appeal, urging everyone to follow precautionary measures, while reassuring that the disciplined forces were always prepared to assist families.