[WATCH] Strong wind warning as Malta's east coast expects battering

The strong Gregale wind will hit the Maltese islands between today and Thursday, prompting the Meteorological Office at Malta International Airport to issue a weather warning.

The Met Office said that the East-Northeast wind will increase, with Force 6 winds expected by early Tuesday afternoon.

Strong winds are expected to batter Malta's eastern coastline with exposed areas like Sliema, Marsalforn, Xgħajra and Marsaskala expecting to suffer the brunt of rough seas.

The sea and wind along Malta's east coast will get stronger throughout Tuesday

The Malta Red Cross that is responsible for lifeguard duties at several of Malta's popular bays has issued a double red flag warning for the Fond Għadir coastline in Sliema and Għadira Bay in Mellieħa. St George's Bay in Paceville has been issued with a red flag warning.

A double red flag warning means that swimmers enter the sea at their own risk, while a red flag warning denotes that the sea presents a high risk hazard for bathers.