Update 2 - Children rescued after boats capsize - Storm causes some damage, flooding

Nine children were rescued from the sea early this afternoon when a number of small sailing boats capsized after being hit by a wave. The incident happened off Sirens pitch in St Paul's Bay as a thunderstorm and strong winds suddenly hit Malta. An official of the Malta Young Sailors' Club said the boats were capsized on purpose. The children were immediately picked up by the coach boats. All were unharmed and officials said they were never in any danger. A patrol boat was deployed by the AFM but was not needed. An ambulance was also on the scene. STORM DAMAGE Meanwhile, the police issued a warning to motorists to exercise caution because of the thunderstorm. Strong winds and heavy rain have hit most of Malta and Gozo. In Cirkewwa, a canopy was blown off and hit some cars. A lamp-post was also wrenched off a wall near the Regional Road in San Gwann. Another three lamp-posts were dislodged in Marfa Road, Mellieha. Low-lying areas, particularly Msida, suffered road flooding. Traffic in many areas was reduced to a crawl. A number of trees were uprooted, causing more driver misery.