The Canary Islands Government has issued a coastal alert for five islands popular with British holidaymakers, as strong winds and rough seas are expected to create dangerous conditions along parts of the coastline. Waves of up to 3 metres and dangerous currents are possible, according to the Canarian Weekly.
Flight Aborts Landing in High Winds
High winds have also caused an aborted landing at Lanzarote Airport. On Sunday, a Canaryfly service inbound from Gran Canaria broke off its approach, climbed away and came round for a second attempt. It was safely on the ground twelve minutes later.
Warning Details and Affected Areas
The warning, issued by the Directorate General for Emergencies, follows forecasts from AEMET and has been activated under the Canary Islands’ Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Risks (PEFMA). It applies to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.
The main concern is strengthening north-easterly winds, particularly in the sea channels between the islands, where gusts are expected to reach Force 7 on the Beaufort scale, equivalent to 50 to 61 km/h. The strongest conditions are forecast on the south-east coast of Tenerife, along the western and south-east coasts of Gran Canaria, along the north-west and south-east coasts of La Palma, off the western coast of La Gomera, and on the north-east coast of El Hierro.
Dangerous Sea Conditions and Rip Currents
These winds are expected to generate combined waves of between two and three metres, creating dangerous sea conditions and powerful currents. Authorities have warned that rough seas and strong winds in the inter-island channels frequently create dangerous rip currents along south and west-facing beaches during the summer months.
With beaches currently busy due to the holiday season and ongoing hot weather, there are concerns that swimmers, tourists and water sports enthusiasts could be at greater risk, particularly on unguarded beaches. The pre-alert is intended to reduce the risk of accidents and drownings by encouraging people to take extra care around the coast.
Safety Precautions Urged
The Government is urging residents and visitors to follow these precautions while the pre-alert remains in force: stay away from the ends of piers, breakwaters and exposed coastal rocks; do not stop to take photographs or videos where large waves are breaking; avoid entering the sea at beaches flying a red flag or those with strong currents and no lifeguard service; postpone water sports and avoid camping close to the shoreline in affected areas. If caught in a rip current, do not swim directly against it. Stay calm, allow the current to carry you until it weakens, then swim parallel to the shore before heading back to land. In any emergency, call 112 immediately.
Officials are asking everyone to remain vigilant over the coming days, as hazardous sea conditions could develop rapidly despite otherwise fine weather on land.
