SEVERE THUNDERSTORM IN GOZO – 9th January 2012

The Maltese Islands were hit by a severe thunderstorm at around 7pm with heavy rain, strong lightning strikes and large hail (confirmed diameter at Victoria Gozo of around 2cm). Gozo was the worst to be affected with collapsed rubble walls and destroyed crops. A funnel cloud was also seen at Gharb around one hour earlier.

Rainfall amounts were not high since the thunderstorm only affected a small area. Smaller hail was reported in various other locations including Msida, Hamrun and Xewkija.