DAMAGE CAUSED BY FORCE 9 WINDS – 6th January 2012

A driver had a lucky escape when a billboard crashed onto her car as she was about to get into it. The incident was one of several reported across Malta as strong winds lashed the islands.

In Valley Road, Birkirkara a mature tree crashed into a parked car blocking the busy road, while a wall collapsed in Tal-Barrani Road Zejtun. Another wall collapsed near the Junior College in Msida. Several farmers also reported damage to greenhouses. No one was injured. Later in the afternoon, thunderstorms with hail were reported in various parts of the islands.

Maximum wind gusts were: Mellieha 114.2km/h, Nadur 90.7km/h, Zebbug 86.9km/h, Naxxar 81.4km/h, Zejtun 75.9km/h, Attard 75.9km/h and Qormi 72.2km/h.