Storm 'Benjamín': Is Mallorca Prepared for the Gusts?

Storm 'Benjamín': Is Mallorca Prepared for the Gusts?

Thursday begins with a loud drumming: shutters bang, plastic bins roll across parking lots and the salty scent of the stirred-up sea drifts from the promenade. Aemet has declared yellow warnings for large parts of Mallorca — Benjamín brings stormy gusts, especially in the Serra de Tramuntana and along the southern and eastern coasts. Between about 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. gusts of 60–70 km/h are possible in lower areas, but on exposed ridges and coasts locally up to 100 km/h. At sea waves up to three meters are expected.

The key question: are our preparations enough?

That's the question occupying many Mallorcans today: Are harbours, roads and urban infrastructure well enough prepared for such gusts — or do we quickly end up in situations that could be avoided? In the short term this means: watch furniture near promenades, secure boats, drive in the Tramuntana only with caution. In the medium term, however, Benjamín highlights weaknesses we should talk about.

What is often overlooked

When the first gusts arrive, attention does not only fall on roofs and boats. Things that quietly decay in everyday life become critical now: old pines in residential areas, poorly mounted solar panels on holiday homes, dilapidated advertising signs on busy streets. Many holiday accommodations are less maintained in the winter months — loose flower pots, unsecured awnings and unstable outdoor fixtures are typical risk factors.

And then there's communication: Tourists who have just arrived do not necessarily understand local warnings. A single Twitter update is not enough; information must be multilingual and visible at harbours, parking lots and in holiday homes.

Concrete tips for today — practical and local

I was on the promenade, there little flags were fluttering like small sails. Those who are out today should observe the following points:

- Securing: Bring in or fasten all loose items on terraces and balconies. Check roof tiles. Park rental cars in bays, not under old trees.

- Sea and harbours: Small boats stay in the harbour. Talk to harbour operators about checking mooring lines. Avoid walks on exposed coastal edges — waves spray far over the promenade.

- Mountains and roads: Drive calmly in the Tramuntana, keep distance from cliff edges, watch for oncoming traffic in narrow sections. Postpone hikes: gusts on ridges can literally knock people over.

- Neighbourhood: Help older neighbours secure things, call briefly to friends who live alone. A small hand can help a lot.

What authorities should do — quick measures and long-term steps

In the short term clear, visible notices help: temporary closures of the most at-risk promenade sections, increased patrols in harbours and popular coastal spots, and multilingual notices for tourists. Quickly putting up warning banners in car parks and harbours also costs little but acts preventively.

In the long term structural measures are needed: regular tree trimming along busy roads, mandatory securing of solar panels on rental properties, sturdy fixings for beach kiosks and improved mooring rules in small harbours. Coordinated crisis communication is also important — not only via app, but loudspeakers, notices and cooperation with rental companies and hotels.

Looking ahead to the weekend: rain and temperature drop

Benjamín is only the opening act. From Sunday Aemet forecasts a change in the weather: more cloud cover, widespread rain, sometimes heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures will fall, the wind will turn north to northeast — perfect conditions for wet and cool days. If you have renovation work or garden plans: postpone them.

Conclusion: Today means caution, neighbourly help and keeping an eye out — especially in harbour towns like Palma and small places like Port de Sóller or Cala d'Or, where wind and waves can quickly cause problems. A hot tea, a closed window and a checking look at balcony furniture are often enough to get through Benjamín well. And for the future: a few preventative measures save trouble — and maybe money too.