The General Directorate of Emergencies for the Canary Islands has declared a pre-alert status for strong winds across all the islands from 9:00am this morning, Wednesday 19th March, due to the effects of Storm Laurence passing to the north of the archipelago, which is expected to bring powerful gusts of wind.
This decision has been based on information provided by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other available sources, in accordance with the Canary Islands' Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA) and the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risk in the Canary Islands.
Weather Forecast
The forecast shows moderate westerly winds with locally strong gusts, particularly in the Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife. Gusts could reach or exceed 70 kilometres per hour in the highlands, mountainous areas, and mid-altitude regions on the eastern slopes of La Palma, highlands and summits of El Hierro, the western half of La Gomera, as well as northern coastal areas of Tenerife.
Additionally, municipalities such as Adeje, Arona, Vilaflor, San Miguel de Abona, Granadilla, Arico, and Fasnia are expected to experience strong winds at altitude.
As the day progresses, strong gusts will extend to other parts of the archipelago, affecting the north-western and south-eastern municipalities of Gran Canaria, as well as Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Safety Recommendations
In light of this situation, the Canary Islands Government is urging residents to follow self-protection guidelines to minimise risks. Citizens are advised to secure flowerpots and other objects on balconies, terraces, and rooftops that could be dislodged by the wind.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid unnecessary travel, and if travelling by road, to check traffic conditions and drive with caution due to potential obstacles on the roads, particularly in the areas mentioned above.
In the event of an emergency, residents are urged to immediately call 112 and provide details of the incident so that appropriate emergency services can be dispatched.
End of Coastal Flooding Alert
Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Emergencies lifted the coastal flooding alert as of 8:00pm on Tuesday (18th March), following an improvement in weather conditions. The pre-alert for coastal flooding risk has also been deactivated in accordance with Decree 115/2018 of 30 July, which regulates the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risk in the Canary Islands (PEINCA).
As a result, the risk of coastal flooding caused by high waves reaching bathing areas, promenades, and coastal roads during high tides has been officially declared over. These conditions had previously affected the southern, western, northern, and northeastern coasts of La Palma, the northern and western shores of El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, as well as the northern coastline of Gran Canaria.
