Updated - Heavy rain, but nothing serious

It rained heavily in several parts of Malta this afternoon, although people were relieved to see that the situation was not as serious as they feared after warnings by the Met Office and the Civil Protection Department. The Met office had warned that a severe weather system was developing to the south west of Malta and was moving very slowly towards Malta. As a result Malta was expected to be hit by thundery showers between Noon and 1 p.m. The Civil Protection Department urged motorists to avoid flood-prone areas. Indeed,  flooding was reported along Balzan Valley and Valley Road in Birkirkara, although the situation was not critical.