The Canary Islands government has escalated the pre-alert status for adverse coastal events, initially set last Thursday, to a full alert. This escalation primarily impacts the northern and western coasts across all islands.
The activation of the alert will commence at 22:30 this Saturday, in response to predictions of poor sea conditions, predominantly due to swells; with north-easterly and northerly winds ranging from force 2 to 4 (10-30 km/h), and localised areas experiencing higher wind speeds (30-40 km/h) especially in the open sea between islands.
The Aemet has predicted a transition from normal to significant swell conditions, with a northeast swell ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 metres and a combined swell of 4 to 6 metres, not discounting the possibility of sporadically higher waves.
Additionally, an equinoctial neap tide episode, coinciding with the new moon phase, is expected.
Given these factors, the regional authorities urge residents to exercise extreme caution along the island coasts and highlight the critical nature of adhering to self-protection advice to mitigate maritime risks. They recommend deferring any planned water-based or sporting activities and advise against swimming at isolated or unmonitored beaches.
Should there be any observation of unusual swell activity, it is advised to keep a safe distance from the sea, avoiding sudden approaches even during periods of apparent calm.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to avoid standing on jetties, sea walls, or being in areas close to the seafront to prevent the risk of being hit or swept away by waves.
