The passage was marked by extremely bad weather and constant squalls and westerly gales. Hurricane Ridge is named for its intense gales and winds. During the voyage, the ship was buffeted by strong westerly gales. The winter months see frequent gales and storms. The trade winds also come to cause gales reaching . In winter gales and storms from the northwest are common and can be ferocious. Gales along the east coast also caused storm damage. Winter is the stormiest time, when gales and storms are more common. Eastern gales sometimes cause floods on the coastline. Gales and long-continued rains during the gathering season also cause damage. The Met Office and UK media generally refer to these storms as "severe gales". The main port of Skopelos can sometimes be closed due to northerly gales. Two days later, the wind began to rise and gales were forecast. From November to March, western gales bring rain. These are characterised by a quick drop in temperature, rain and gales.