Since yesterday afternoon the Aeolian Islands have been swept by strong gusts of wind with maritime connections already suspended. Throughout the night the fury of the wind continued to blow and since this morning the wind has reached 40 km per hour. Despite the storm which is only just beginning, the “Nerea” ship left Milazzo at 7am, the only vessel in the Siremar fleet that can travel even with three meter high waves. And despite considerable difficulty due to the fury of the wind it docked in Vulcano and Lipari.
Despite guaranteeing the connection, however, there may be docking problems on the other islands. The passengers and owners of the food trucks were informed by the agency that all the ports of call are subject to reservations also in Vulcano and Lipari, given that the wind is blowing from the south east and all the Aeolian ports are exposed, especially in Salina, Filicudi and Alicudi. Liberty Lines hydrofoils have been stopped since yesterday afternoon. In the middle of the day the wind will also increase to 50 km. As announced with union orders by the four Aeolian mayors, the schools are closed today and tomorrow, movement is prohibited on the seafront of the islands, the owners of shops and houses have protected the entrance with boards in case of strong sea storms, given that the islands are now defenseless due to the almost disappeared beaches, and the operational committee chaired by the mayor Riccardo Gullo is active in the Municipality.
The police forces, the Civil Protection, the Aeolian Amateur Radio Association and volunteers have been mobilized on the islands, ready to intervene if necessary.