Malta's south coast was battered by enormous waves on Tuesday afternoon, as the wind reached speeds upwards of 50 kilometres per hour. Parts of Gozo were also flooded.
Delimara Point, Wied iz-Zurrieq and Ghar Lapsi were among the worst hit areas. The LNG tanker at Delimara had to be repositioned 70 metres off the jetty as a precaution, Electrogas Malta said, while most maritime operations at Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga were suspended.
Gozo Channel operations were also suspended, and Malta to Sicily catamaran trips were cancelled.
Many tourists and Maltese alike took the opportunity to observe the power of nature at Wied iz-Zurrieq, where the scenic inlet, best known for its turquoise waters, turned white with the foam generated by the waves. Luckily, all of the fishing vessels had been removed from the area before the storm hit.
Similar scenes were observed at Ghar Lapsi, where the iconic window was at times completely obscured by the spray generated by gargantuan waves.
Meanwhile, parts of the Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga seafronts were flooded by rain and seawater. The Met Office has issued a strong wind warning that is valid until 11pm on Tuesday.
In Gozo Xlendi was seen to be flooded.
West Soutwest winds of up to Force 6 are forecast for Wednesday.
Photos and videos (not those taken from Facebook): Alenka Falzon
Wied iz-Zurrieq
Marsaxlokk
Ghar Lapsi