Malta and Gozo were yesterday flooded in a deluge of rain that hit the islands at about 7am. The Civil Protection Department said that they received five frantic calls for help from motorists that got stranded in their cars in Msida and Zejtun during the downpour. They were all rescued and suffered no ill effects as a result of being stranded.

The rain continued for the rest of the day, but not with the same ferocity with which it had struck early in the morning. However, massive thunderclaps and lightning bolts accompanied the storm clouds that rolled over the whole island for about two hours.

Indeed, many roads around Malta were turned into rivers with floods as deep as a foot in places. The Coast Road, the whole of Msida and Triq il-Qadima in Zejtun and Gzira were among the worst affected, with huge surges of floodwaters. The storm water culverts that were put in place in Qormi and Marsa after the floods there in September 2003 coped with the flow of water well. However some rural farming areas suffered flooding.

Some places were also hit by hailstorms and the ice actually laid for a while until the hail turned back into rain. Some people braved the weather to continue their Christmas shopping in Valletta, but by and large it was a dull and miserable day for all concerned. The police said that no serious road accidents were reported, however, they did advise motorists to steer clear of Msida, Birkirkara Valley, the Coast Road, and Regional Road Bridge.

The vehicle recovery services had a field day as there were many breakdowns to attend to. Although more rain is expected tonight, and showers tomorrow, the storm is expected to lift.