STORM HIT ISLAND

Staff Reporter ALL the ports in the Balearic islands, with the exception of Mahón in Minorca, were closed to seagoing traffic for several hours yesterday, because of winds of up to 74 kilometres per hour, said the Islands' Ports Authority. The closure of the port of Alcudia in the north of Majorca was confirmed at 12.30pm, adding to the shutdown in Palma that had been organised somewhat earlier at 11am. Ibiza and Formentera had announced closure at 9.45am. Prior to Ibiza port's closure at 9.55 am, the gale force winds of yesterday morning resulted in shipping and ferry lines Eurolíneas Marítimas and Trasmediterránea cancelling departures from Palma. Their respective vessels, “Al Sabini“ and “Millenium 2”, were due to sail for Ibiza at 8am. Also affected was the cruise ship “Costa Romántica”, which had to divert its route when the port of Ibiza was closed. Similarly, the “Bahía de Málaga”, belonging to the shipping line Eurolíneas Marítimas, was scheduled to weigh anchor from Ibiza at 11am en route for Denia, but eventually had to cancel the sailing. The strong winds also caused the “Nura Nova” of Iscomar shipping lines, en route from the port of Alcudia, to change its heading and make for the port installations of Mahón, where it was due to arrive at 2pm yesterday, instead of going to Ciudadela, as timetabled. The Spanish Airports Authority has reported, however, that “it's business as usual” at the three airports in the Balearic Islands, in spite of the strong winds. In Minorca, the storm kept the fishing fleets in port at Mahon, Ciutadella and Fornells, as waves reached a height of more than four metres in the channel between Minorca and Majorca. More rain and storms, and possibly hail, are forecast for today, when there will be a drop in temperatures and winds of up to 80kph. The weatherman said that the winds would blow from the southwest, later veeering to northwest. The emergency services in all the islands are on weather alert. Storm damage in Majorca included trees blown down in Calvia, Can Pastilla and Illetas, and damage to roofs and windows in Llucmajor, Can Picafort, Inca and Alcudia. The beaches at Ses Salines and other coastal areas were also damaged.