Authorities Urge Public to Stay Home
During a press conference at the Civil Protection Fire Station in Cordin, Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri warned that Malta is expected to be hit by “extreme weather, not just normal rain” in the coming hours. He stated that authorities are acting on forecasts and official warnings to ensure the country is prepared and that “precautions must be taken” to protect both individuals and the wider community.
Forecast: Strong Winds, Thunderstorms and Hail
According to information from the Malta International Airport Meteorological Office, which is in direct contact with the Civil Protection Department, the country is expected to experience strong winds “reaching up to force ten” from this evening until Tuesday afternoon. The Minister noted that Malta is currently experiencing force six to seven winds, which are expected to intensify. He also warned of “thunderstorms with lightning and even hail,” as well as a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Public Service, Waste Collection and Energy Precautions
Public Service employees whose duties can be carried out remotely will be allowed to work from home. On waste collection, Camilleri announced that only black bags will be collected tomorrow, urging the public not to leave waste outdoors to prevent hazards caused by strong winds. He also confirmed that the LNG floating storage unit “has been moved to a safer position” in line with standard stability procedures.
Emergency Services Fully Deployed
Civil Protection, the Malta Police Force and the Armed Forces of Malta are all on high alert. Camilleri highlighted that Civil Protection teams are already carrying out rescue operations and removing hazardous objects from roads, while police and military forces will assist, particularly in maritime operations. Additional off-duty police officers will be deployed in strategic areas. Urging caution, the Minister appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel, coastal areas, parking near the sea and working at heights. “Prevention is always best,” he said, also encouraging residents to check on elderly and vulnerable individuals to ensure they are safe.
Civil Protection Issues Public Safety Advisory
In a separate statement, the Civil Protection Department, together with the Armed Forces of Malta and the Malta Police Force, warned that severe weather is expected across the Maltese Islands over the next 24 hours. The authorities urged the public to take precautionary measures to reduce risks and ensure emergency services remain available for critical situations.
The public was “strongly advised to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary”, while stressing that 112 should only be contacted in the event of a genuine emergency, so emergency lines are kept free for those in immediate need. Residents were also advised to avoid working at heights, including rooftops, balconies, scaffolding and other exposed structures.
Due to strong winds and rough seas, the authorities warned people to stay away from the shoreline, breakwaters and coastal paths, citing the risk posed by strong waves and sea spray. The statement also called on the public to secure loose outdoor items that could become airborne and pose a danger to others.
Motorists were urged to drive with caution, particularly in open or exposed areas, while the public was reminded to remain informed through official channels and to follow instructions issued by the authorities as the situation develops.
Gozo Channel Service Suspended Due to Severe Weather
In a statement issued by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, the public was informed that the Gozo Channel service has been suspended with immediate effect due to adverse weather conditions. The suspension applies to all crossings and will remain in force until further notice.
The Ministry urged all those who need to make use of the service to closely follow official updates issued by Gozo Channel Operations Ltd, which will provide further information on the resumption of operations once conditions allow.
Authorities reiterated that the decision was taken in the interest of safety, in line with weather warnings currently affecting the Maltese Islands, and advised the public to plan accordingly and remain informed through official channels.
Education Ministry Announces One-Day School Closure and Excused Absences
In a video message addressing parents, the Minister for Education confirmed that all schools will be closed for one day only, on Tuesday, 20 January, due to the severe storm expected to hit the Maltese Islands.
The Minister said authorities had received “many calls from parents who rightly contacted us to ask about what’s happening with our schools tomorrow,” noting that multiple warnings had already been issued by different entities advising caution. In light of the weather forecast, the decision was taken to close schools as a precautionary measure.
He stressed that the measure applies strictly for one day. “Anyone who decides, for tomorrow only – and I repeat, for tomorrow only – not to send their children to school, they will be excused,” the Minister said, adding that all students who do not attend school tomorrow will be officially excused.
The Minister also clarified that three schools will be fully closed tomorrow: Mellieħa Primary School, Qawra Primary School and St Paul’s Bay Primary School. He explained that this decision was taken because “we have Gozitan educators who work in significant numbers at these schools,” and travel conditions may make it difficult for them to cross.
He concluded by thanking parents for their cooperation and said authorities “look forward to our children returning normally to our schools on Wednesday.”
WATCH: Live Storm in Sicily
The storm is set to hit Sicily stronger than Malta, with weather conditions expected to worsen significantly in the coming hours.
The Regional Civil Protection has raised its level of readiness, suspending leave for internal staff, activating volunteer organisations, and strengthening territorial response units. Regional President Renato Schifani described the measures as “necessary to minimise damage and disruption.” Several mayors across the provinces of Ragusa, Siracusa, Catania and Messina ordered the closure of schools for 48 hours, while universities in Palermo, Catania and Messina suspended activities. Residents were urged to limit non-essential travel.
Forecasts indicate wind gusts exceeding “100 kilometres per hour” and storm surges with waves reaching up to six metres. In Lipari, schools and coastal roads were closed, while fast maritime connections to the Aeolian Islands were suspended.
Hospitals advised the public to “come only for emergencies.”
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The public is encouraged to follow official government and ministry communication channels for the most accurate, complete and up-to-date information as the situation continues to develop.
