This Sunday, 10 March, the Canary Islands are set to experience a yellow alert for coastal phenomena as declared by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). The warning applies to all islands, with the exception of La Gomera and parts of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, specifically their southern, eastern, and western regions.
The alert timings will commence at 04:00 in Lanzarote and La Palma; 09:00 in Fuerteventura; 12:00 in El Hierro and the northern parts of Tenerife; and 15:00 in the northern regions of Gran Canaria.
The northern Canary Islands can anticipate cloudy skies with possible light rain, while the southern areas might see cloudy periods with a chance of sporadic rain.
In Tenerife’s north, particularly in La Orotava, local police have already started closing beach accesses this Sunday morning due to significant wave activity, as reported by the municipality’s Security and Emergencies Department.
Moreover, the Directorate General of Security and Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has activated a coastal phenomena alert from 22:30 this Saturday across the archipelago, predominantly impacting the north and west coasts.
Expected sea conditions include swells and winds from the northwest and north at force 2-4 (10-30 km/h), with certain areas experiencing stronger winds (30-40 km/h) offshore between the islands. Swells from the northwest are anticipated to reach 3.5-4.5 metres, with combined swells of 4-6 metres, and larger waves are not ruled out.
Due to these conditions, there’s a heightened risk of coastal flooding as waves overtop seafronts and adjacent roads, especially during high tide, notably two hours before and one and a half hours after its peak, primarily on the northern and western coasts.
The Canary Islands Government advises residents and visitors to steer clear of risky coastal areas and adhere to self-protection guidelines to prevent injuries. It is crucial not to linger on piers, breakwaters, or close to the sea to avoid being hit or swept away by waves.
Swimming is strictly prohibited at beaches flying red flags, and it’s essential to avoid sea access in areas with strong waves, undertows, or lacking lifeguard services. Until sea conditions settle and the alert is lifted, coastal walks and driving near the beach should be avoided, along with delaying water-related or sporting activities and staying away from isolated or unsupervised beaches.
Furthermore, in case of observing unusual wave patterns, maintain a safe distance from the water and avoid approaching it, even if conditions appear to calm suddenly.
