Heraklion Port Authority raises alert as forecasters warn of gale-force winds up to 8 Beaufort
The Central Port Authority of Heraklion has placed itself on heightened alert after the National Meteorological Service (EMY) forecast gale-force winds, with northerly gusts locally reaching 8 Beaufort in sea areas around Crete.
According to the EMY forecast, north to northeast winds of 7 to 8 Beaufort are expected in the western Cretan Sea, west of the 24th meridian, and are set to persist at least until the early morning hours of Thursday. Forecasters have also warned of winds reaching 8 Beaufort more broadly across Greek waters this week.
Similar conditions are expected in the southwestern Cretan Sea, east of the 22nd meridian and north of the 34th parallel, where north to northeast winds will also reach 7 to 8 Beaufort.
Warning to boat owners
In response to the deteriorating sea conditions, the Central Port Authority of Heraklion has called on owners of ships and small vessels moored in the area to ensure their craft are securely tied down, taking all necessary precautions.
The authority has also recommended that professional fishing boats, pleasure craft and small vessels avoid operating for as long as the warning for severe weather remains in effect. The advisory follows earlier forecasts of rain, storms and gale-force northerly winds reaching the island this week.
Personnel and equipment on standby
Tugboats, lifeguard vessels, fishing boats and volunteer teams have also been asked to remain on immediate standby to assist if needed.
The Central Port Authority of Heraklion said it has placed its personnel, as well as all available floating and land-based resources, on alert to allow for immediate intervention in the event of an incident involving a ship, small vessel or a person at risk. The move comes as authorities across the island respond to a wider spell of unsettled weather, after EMY earlier issued an orange warning for Crete over storms and heavy rain.
