The Isles of Scilly have been ravaged by fierce northerly gales throughout the day. The heavy seas and strong winds have caused problems for boat services around the Islands.
The gales, which have been forecast to stay around for the next few days, began last night when heavy rain set in. Despite the rain relenting during the early hours, the high winds kicked in and spurred on the heavy seas. The skies above the Islands were clearing by morning, and there was blue sky and sunshine throughout the afternoon in spite of the unrelenting blustery weather.
Northerly gales are somewhat of a rarity this time of year, as gales usually prevail from the southwest. When the wind is in this direction, problems can be caused for boating services around the Islands, especially the usually safe mooring ground between Bryher and Tresco, and also the stretch of water in-between St. Mary’s and St Agnes. St. Agnes Quay can also be a difficult place to moor in a northerly gale, as the sea simply pushes boats downwind.
“subinfo”The firethorn battles away from St. Agnes Quay after completing the tricky manoeuvre of steering in-between the calf and Gugh shore at low tide./span
The gales and sunny conditions did present an opportunity for amateur photographers to capture a glimpse of the Islands amongst their most obvious context, vulnerability against the sea.