A state of ‘pre-emergency’ has been declared as the Canary Islands brace for severe weather conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to hit the popular tourist destination. British holidaymakers are being advised to take precautions and seek shelter as the Spanish meteorological agency, AEMET, issues warnings for potential hazardous situations on the islands.
The Canary Islands, including popular spots like Tenerife and Gran Canaria, are facing the threat of heavy rain leading to flooding, along with strong winds generating towering 6ft waves, as reported by the Daily Record. AEMET has raised yellow wind warnings, predicting gusts of nearly 40mph along the coastline, posing risks for maritime activities. Tourists are urged to stay updated on the weather alerts and take necessary safety measures.
Two yellow alerts have been issued for Tenerife, specifying “force seven” coastal winds between 6pm and 11.59pm. The advisory states, “Northeast winds of 50 to 61 km/h (force seven) on the southeast coast of Tenerife, southeast and west of Gran Canaria.” Precautionary measures were already put in place over the weekend by the Canary Islands’ government, anticipating significant winds affecting the islands.
The Canary Islands government’s Directorate General for Emergencies declared a pre-alert for winds on all the islands based on information provided by AEMET and other sources. The Specific Emergency Plan for the Canary Islands due to the Risk of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA) has been activated, covering various areas like El Hierro, La Gomera, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria.
Spain has been experiencing an unusual spell of cooler temperatures, persistent rain, and cloud cover in recent weeks, intensifying with the current weather warnings for the Canary Islands. However, there is optimism for improved conditions as the storm system moves away, bringing clearer skies and warmer weather to Tenerife by mid-week. Gran Canaria is also set to experience a hot spell, reaching temperatures of up to 30C in the coming days.
As the situation evolves, travellers are advised to stay informed about any updates or changes in the weather conditions. The safety and well-being of tourists and residents on the Canary Islands remain a top priority as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Visitors are encouraged to follow official guidance, stay indoors during adverse weather, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety while on the islands.