Home / Environment / Malta Buried Under Freak Ice Storms
Malta Buried Under Freak Ice Storms
19 Jan
Summary
- Malta experienced severe icy floods after a freak storm.
- Cars were submerged in hail, and diggers cleared streets.
- Authorities issued warnings for high winds and coastal areas.
Malta experienced severe icy floods after a freak storm battered the Mediterranean holiday island over the weekend. Dramatic footage captured cars submerged in hailstones as rivers of ice cascaded through streets, particularly in the western regions of Rabat and Bahrija, which saw several centimeters of hail accumulation. Authorities worked urgently to clear roads using heavy machinery.
The Civil Protection Department issued a warning on Sunday evening, advising residents to avoid working at heights and stay away from the shoreline due to gale-force winds and strong waves. Motorists were also urged to exercise caution on icy roads and avoid unnecessary travel. This unusual weather event in Malta draws parallels to a similar freak hailstorm that hit Majorca in May last year.
The phenomenon, known as 'DANA' in Spain, occurs when cold air meets warmer Mediterranean air, creating instability. This clash results in intense weather patterns, including torrential rain, violent hailstorms, and flash floods, often over short periods, as seen recently on the Mediterranean islands.
