The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated yellow warnings for coastal phenomena in several areas of the Canary Islands for Tuesday, 3 February, due to the arrival of a strong north-westerly swell that could generate waves of up to four metres, particularly along exposed stretches of coastline.
These warnings are aligned with the pre-alert for coastal phenomena already in force, declared by the Government of the Canary Islands through its Directorate-General for Emergencies.
Areas affected and time frames
According to AEMET, the coastal warnings will apply during the early hours of Tuesday in the following zones:
- Eastern coast of La Palma: from 00:00 to 06:59
- Western coast of La Palma: from 00:00 to 06:59
- Lanzarote: from 01:00 to 09:59
In all cases, forecasters expect north-westerly seas with waves reaching around four metres, with the most severe conditions anticipated in open and exposed coastal areas.
Pre-alert remains active across multiple islands
The Canary Islands Government has confirmed that the pre-alert, which has been active since 19:00 on Saturday, 31 January, remains in place. It covers:
- El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera
- Northern and western coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria
- Fuerteventura
- Lanzarote, including the entire Jandía coastline
Under this scenario, a combined north-westerly sea is expected, with wave heights between 2.5 and 3 metres, mainly generated by swell. The situation is further complicated by a long wave period of around 13 seconds and high tidal coefficients, factors that significantly increase coastal risk.
Maritime forecast by area
The detailed marine forecast highlights changing wind directions and strengthening seas across the archipelago:
- La Palma: east to north-east winds (force 2–4), veering west or north-west, with intervals of force 5–6 in the south-west; north-west swell of 1–3 metres.
- El Hierro: north-easterly winds (force 3–4), turning north-westerly and freshening temporarily at dawn; north-west swell of 1–3 metres.
- Tenerife and La Gomera: northerly winds (force 2–4), increasing from the west or north-west, with stronger gusts in the inter-island channel.
- Anaga–Agaete Channel: north-easterly winds (force 3–5), shifting to north-west (force 4–6) in the northern sector; heavy swell, locally strong.
- Gran Canaria: north or north-east winds (force 2–4), strengthening and veering north-west after midnight; north-west swell of 1–3 metres.
- Jandía–La Isleta Channel: north or north-east winds (force 3–5), veering north-west; moderate swell.
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: north-east winds (force 3–4), increasing and turning west or north-west from midnight; slight swell to moderate swell.
Fatalities despite alerts highlight ongoing danger
Despite repeated alerts and pre-alerts, drownings continue to occur in the Canary Islands. January closed with six fatalities linked to rough sea conditions, according to the association Canarias, 1,500 km de Costa. In addition, a 30-year-old woman remains missing after being swept into the sea off the coast of Tacoronte.
During the same month, emergency services recorded one person in serious condition, three moderately injured, four slightly injured, and ten rescues without injuries.
The association stresses that five of the six fatalities, and 23 of the 25 people affected, were in the sea or close to the coastline while coastal alerts or pre-alerts were active.
Of those who lost their lives, five were men and one was a woman. Three were adults, two of unknown age, and one was over 60. By nationality, five were foreign nationals—including two Germans and one American—while one victim was Spanish. The incidents occurred across Lanzarote, La Gomera, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, predominantly on beaches (68%), followed by natural pools (28%) and ports or coastal areas (4%). Notably, 83% of accidents took place in the afternoon.
Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to avoid coastal areas during periods of rough seas, respect warning flags and official advice, and exercise extreme caution near cliffs, natural pools and exposed shorelines.
