Yellow Weather Warnings issued for coastal areas across the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands Government has issued a pre-alert and the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated yellow weather warnings for rough seas across the Archipelago from tomorrow, Wednesday, 3rd December.
The warnings come as large northern swells and strong winds are forecast to affect coastal areas, particularly those facing west, north and northwest.
Lanzarote first to be affected
The yellow warning begins in Lanzarote at 8:00pm on Wednesday, with a combined sea from the north reaching up to 4 metres offshore. Conditions are expected to worsen overnight and continue throughout Thursday, 4th December, with heavy swells from the north or northwest exceeding 3 metres and long wave periods of around 16 seconds, especially at midday high tide.
Warning extended to all islands
On Thursday, the warning will be extended to Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura, remaining in effect from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
The affected coastal zones include:
- North of Gran Canaria
- Fuerteventura
- East of La Palma
- La Gomera
- El Hierro
- North of Tenerife
Across these areas, seas are expected to reach up to 4 metres, with northern groundswells of more than 3 metres and long swell periods of up to 16 seconds.
High tides and strong winds
The forecast also coincides with very high tide coefficients (93–95), meaning waves could reach further inland at high tide, particularly around midday.
High tides (pleamares):
- Wednesday 3rd: around 11:38am
- Thursday 4th: around 12:28pm
The General Directorate of Emergencies has therefore declared a regional pre-alert for coastal phenomena under the Canary Islands Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Events (PEFMA) from 8:00am on Wednesday.
Authorities warn of combined seas of 3.5 to 4 metres, strong to very strong surf, and northeast winds reaching force 7 in the channels between La Gomera–Tenerife and Tenerife–Gran Canaria.
Recommendations to the public due to the pre-alert
The emergency services urge extreme caution and remind everyone of the following preventative measures:
- Do not stand on breakwaters, piers or areas where waves break, nor approach to video or take photographs.
- Avoid fishing in areas exposed to waves.
- Do not drive vehicles on roads near the beach line.
- Avoid swimming at little-known or secluded beaches due to the risk of local whirlpools.
- Avoid swimming at beaches with red flags or without lifeguard service.
- Do not engage in sports or nautical activities in areas affected by swells.
- Do not camp on the beach during storms.
- If you observe unusual waves, move away from the shore or coast.
- Secure boat moorings in protected locations.
- Warn other people if they are in risk areas.
What to do in case of emergency
The Directorate General of Emergencies also reminds people how to act in case of falling into the sea or risk on the coast:
- If you fall into the water, move away from the point where the waves break, call for help and wait for rescue.
- If the waves pull you out to sea, stay calm and let yourself be carried along until the current loses strength.
- If you see someone in danger, throw a float, rope or object that they can hold onto and immediately call 112.
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