SEVERE THUNDERSTORM IN GOZO – 9th January 2012
A severe thunderstorm hit several parts of the Maltese Islands at around 7 pm producing heavy rain and large hail of around 2cm diameter confirmed in Victoria as Gozo bore the brunt of the storm. The storm caused some rubble walls to collapse and also destroyed some crops. A funnel cloud was also seen at Gharb just before the storm at around 6 pm. Strong lightning from this storm was also observed over various localities.
Strangely enough areas less than a kilometre away remained completely dry or just received some light rain. Rainfall amounts measured were not high due to the fact that most rain gauges were in an area which did not experience the heavy rain. Smaller hail was reported in various places including Gharb, Msida, Hamrun and Xewkija amongst others.
PHOTO TAKEN BY ANDREA MUSCAT