The Canary Islands government has decided to maintain the pre-alert for rain across the entire archipelago following a technical coordination meeting yesterday, Tuesday. This was the fifth such meeting since the onset of the current DANA, as authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather conditions.
The meeting included representatives from the Canary Islands Directorate General of Emergencies, AEMET, as well as local councils and municipalities. Also present were Marcos Lorenzo, the regional government's Deputy Minister for Emergencies and Water, and Fernando Figuereo, Director General of Emergencies.
The latest forecast from AEMET indicates that atmospheric instability is shifting from the westernmost islands towards Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. Although the intensity of the rainfall is expected to decrease, the weather front will continue to bring rain, albeit to a lesser extent, as conditions are expected to start easing today, Wednesday, according to a government press release.
In response, and in line with the Specific Emergency Plan for the Canary Islands for Adverse Meteorological Events (PEFMA), the government has announced that the pre-alert status will remain in effect until all weather warnings have ended. The situation will be reassessed later today.
The government's vigilance is heightened by the coincidence of this unsettled weather with the ongoing Carnival celebrations, which attract large crowds to outdoor events. This has prompted a "constant monitoring" of the situation to ensure public safety.
Precautionary Measures for Residents and Visitors
The government is urging residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions to prevent and avoid risky situations while the atmospheric instability continues. It is "essential" to check the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling, adhere to traffic signs, and avoid closed roads. Notably, access to Teide National Park in Tenerife and Roque de Los Muchachos in La Palma remains restricted.
People are advised to follow instructions from security personnel and avoid driving during heavy rainfall unless absolutely necessary. Should travel be required, motorists are urged to drive cautiously, reduce speed, maintain safe distances between vehicles, and stick to main roads and motorways, steering clear of forest tracks and secondary roads.
In case of emergency, the public is advised not to overestimate their own capabilities but instead to call 112 immediately and wait for emergency services to arrive.
