100 kmph winds batter Balearics

Majorca was hit by 100 kmph winds yesterday with the emergency services on full alert across the island. The wind, which today will reach speeds of 110 kmph at its peak and lash the island with localised storms and torrential rain, caused widespread damage in many of the boat yards and building sites, blew down walls with fire fighters being called out to help secure balconies, advertising boards, road signs and scaffolding. In Pollensa, the air sea rescue service had to dispatch a salvage vessel to rescue four crew members caught in the fierce winds and high seas off Cala Llenya near the Port of Pollensa. The poor weather made the rescue operation extremely complicated, but eventually all four were plucked to safety and returned to dry land in Alcudia, safe and sound. Conditions will be further complicated today with snow forecast at 900 metres as temperatures fall again.