Storm Harry battered the Maltese Islands overnight and on Tuesday morning, triggering dozens of emergency interventions as strong winds and heavy seas caused widespread disruption across the country.
The Civil Protection Department said it was kept busy throughout the night and into Tuesday, as gale-force winds and pounding waves lashed coastal areas. Localities along the southern shoreline, particularly Marsaskala and Marsaxlokk, bore the brunt of the storm, with seawater flooding coastal roads and forcing its way into nearby restaurants and residences.
Damage was caused to the promenades of coastal localities like Birzebbuga and Marsaskala. Three flights from Bucharest, Rome and Vilnius had to be diverted to other airports, and several shops and businesses closed their doors for the day. Popular areas such as Valletta and Sliema were by and large empty, as many followed recommendations to stay indoors.
According to the Meteorological Office, wind speeds of up to 56 knots – exceeding 100 kilometres per hour – were recorded in Valletta on Tuesday morning. Residents were urged to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, as conditions remained hazardous.
Rough seas led to the suspension of ferry services between Malta and Gozo, while government schools in Mellieħa, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay were closed for the day. Other schools remained open, although students unable to attend were excused.
The severe weather also reshaped daily routines. Most government employees worked from home, and many private companies followed suit, resulting in noticeably lighter traffic on Maltese roads, particularly during peak hours.
Public transport provider Tallinja announced diversions on several routes, urging commuters to follow real-time updates through its app. “Our services are running where conditions allow, as we remain in constant contact with the authorities to keep passengers moving safely,” Tallinja said.
Multiple reports of damages
In a Facebook statement in the morning, the Civil Protection Department detailed the scale of its response over 24 hours until 7am Tuesday, reporting 42 incidents involving fallen trees, 23 debris clearance operations and two billboard sign collapses. Assistance was also provided in a range of other emergencies, including a person trapped in a lift, an electrical hazard, six hazardous material spillages, six rubbish fires and three vehicle fires. The numbers had increased to a total of 300 when Minister Byron Camilleri addressed Parliament in the afternoon.
The department reiterated its appeal for the public to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary calls to the emergency number 112, and refrain from working at heights such as rooftops, balconies, scaffolding and other exposed structures. People were also warned to keep well away from shorelines, breakwaters and coastal paths due to strong waves and heavy sea spray.
Mail delivery services were suspended for the day, with Maltapost citing extreme weather conditions and a directive from the Occupational Health and Safety Authority. “This decision has been taken in the interest of the safety of our employees,” the company said, adding that services would resume once official weather warnings are lifted.
The OHSA said its officers were carrying out monitoring activities across various sectors and responding to reports via helpline 138, urging the public to report any dangerous workplace practices observed during the storm.
The impact of Storm Harry was also felt at a community level. At least one funeral was cancelled, while residents took to social media overnight to describe doors and windows rattling under the force of the wind. Reports included water tank lids blown into streets and a fence collapsing onto an empty car in Marsa. No injuries were reported.
By Tuesday morning, further reports of fallen trees and property damage were emerging, with incidents recorded in Cospicua, Żebbuġ, St Julian’s, San Gwann and Santa Venera’s Romeo Romano Garden.
On Monday, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri announced precautionary measures aimed at limiting the storm’s impact, including school closures, the suspension of black-bag waste collection, and the relocation of the LNG tanker in Marsaxlokk to a safer position.
Meteorologists said the adverse weather was being driven by a deepening low-pressure system over Algeria extending into the central Mediterranean, combined with a strong high-pressure system over the Balkans. The resulting pressure gradient is generating strong and persistent winds over the Maltese Islands.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later on Tuesday, with winds forecast to ease from Force 8 to Force 6. Authorities said further updates would be issued as the situation continues to develop.
Damage in agriculture
The Ministry for Agriculture told farmers Tuesday that, following the severe storm, a reporting process is being launched to collect detailed information on the damage suffered by agricultural production.
As from Wednesday, 21 January 2026, farmers are encouraged to submit geotagged photographs through the Biedja Cam platform, together with details of the fields and crops concerned.
The aim of this process is to gather photographic and geographical evidence of the damage, analyse the impact at a national level, and carry out on-site verifications during the coming week. This information will be used by the Government to present data to the European Commission so that the design of an aid scheme can be considered, the government said.
Farmers are required to submit their photographs by Friday evening. It is important to note that, should an aid scheme related to this storm be launched, only farmers who submit their reports through Biedja Cam by Friday may be eligible.