The strong storm going by the name of Helios has officially hit the Maltese islands, as a yellow weather warning has just been issued by the Meteorological Office.

A depression that is presently located over Algeria is moving across to Libya and making its way toward the central Mediterranean, finding Malta right at its core.

A strong wind warning is already in effect; however, the centre of the low-pressure system will be closest to the Maltese islands between Thursday and Friday bringing more severe weather conditions, the Meteorological Office said in a statement. 

From the early hours of Thursday until Thursday night, very strong – force seven – easterly winds are expected to sweep across the Maltese Islands, with gusts reaching up to 45 knots.

Thursday’s strong winds will whip up very rough to high seas tomorrow, with waves expected to reach up to five metres and even more.

The public is, therefore, being advised to avoid coastal areas due to the possibility of flooding.

Rain showers are expected to become more frequent from tonight, with the possibility that they will be thundery on Thursday.

The Meteorological Office, in fact, expects to issue orange warnings for rain and wind tomorrow.

Tag someone who needs to stay safe!