Very strong wind warning until 11pm, possible 'Medicane' close to Malta

The meteorological office has issued a 'very strong' wind warning valid until 11pm on Thursday, just as footage on social media is predicting a Mediterranean hurricane that could brush past Malta. North-northeasterly winds have been pounding the islands since Wednesday, damaging boats and prompting a warning from the Emergency Response Rescue Corps to stay away from a number of bays. The police have issued a warning to motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area known as il-Fossa in Valletta (Triq il-Lanċa) because of high waves caused by strong winds. Footage uploaded on Facebook by Weather Malta meanwhile shows the formation of a Mediterranean hurricane, or 'Medicane', in the southern Mediterranean over the next few days, the edge of which might pass close to Malta. International reports are predicting that the Medicane, which will be named Zorbas, will hit Greece this weekend, after forming in the Ionian sea on Friday. Northeasterly winds most challenging for harbour pilots While several people are avoiding the sea at all costs, some have no other option but to battle the waves crashing against the northeastern coast and help guide vessels into the sheltered harbour. At 6am...