The Government of the Canary Islands has declared a wind alert effective from today, Saturday, for Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera, which has led to the suspension of numerous activities that were planned in several municipalities, as well as closing the trails of the Teide National Park.
At the same time a pre-alert has been activated for Gran Canaria, La Palma, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote following AEMET forecasts.
Very strong gusts ranging between 80 and 90 kilometres per hour are expected, potentially reaching up to 100 kilometres per hour locally on the northern and western slopes, high areas, and peaks of the islands under alert (Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera).
Additionally, wind gusts reaching and exceeding 60 to 70 kilometres per hour are anticipated in the northern and western slopes, high areas, and peaks of the islands under pre-alert (Gran Canaria, La Palma, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote).
In the south of Tenerife, Santiago del Teide has decided to suspend the activity of making the largest turrón in Spain using local products, which was to be held today in the Buganvilla Plaza in Los Gigantes, with which the municipality had set out to achieve a new record.
For her part, the president of the Tenerife Island Council, Rosa Dávila, reported yesterday that several trails in the Teide National Park have been closed in order to “guarantee people’s safety” in view of the forecast of strong southerly and southwesterly winds, with an average speed of 60–80 km/h, without ruling out higher speeds on the Teide Peak, where gusts of up to 100 km/h could occur.
Santa Cruz Christmas market postponed
In light of this forecast, measures have been adopted at the island level, as well as in different municipalities, such as Santa Cruz, where the City Council has activated the Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU) and suspended the outdoor activities planned for today, in addition to closing outdoor facilities that involve the influx of public, such as sports centres, swimming pools or sports fields.
The opening of Tenerife Gastronavidad Christmas Market has also been postponed, as has the Rastro. This situation will continue as long as the alert is in force.
Residents are advised to remove pots and any objects that could fall onto the street from windows, balconies, and rooftops to prevent accidents.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid wind-related risks by staying away from buildings under construction or in poor condition, as well as from scaffolding, cranes, illuminated signs, advertising boards, or any other elements that could be swept away by the wind.
