Balearic weather warning

The Balearics will be hit by some of the worst weather in recent years over the next few days and last night the Civil Protection department and the Met office issued severe weather warnings. As forecast, the first snow of the year fell in Majorca yesterday. Although it was just a mere dusting on the peaks of Puig Major, those who saw yesterday's Spanish television news bulletins will be aware of what is in store this weekend. Extremely cold air is heading in from the north, accompanied by strong north to north easterly winds which today will reach speeds of 120 kilometres per hour and create waves of between six and nine metres. Today the snow line will gradually fall to just 700 metres, although tomorrow temperatures will rise enough to reduce the chance of snow. Yesterday some 23 litres per square metre of rain fell on the Port of Pollença where at mid day the temperature had dropped to just 10ºC. At Lluc the temperature plummeted to 5ºC and in Palma, the maximum was just 11ºC. All of the region's emergency services are on full alert. The advice is to keep all doors and windows closed and all items on balconies and in the garden, well secured. If out in the street beware of trees, do not touch any cables and do not carry anything metallic in the event of an electrical storm. Obviously if driving, be extremely careful. Stay away from the beach.