Warning to UK tourists as Canary Islands announce state of ‘pre-alert’
Holidaymakers are warned of dangerous sea conditions in the Canary Islands today. A state of ‘pre-alert’ has been declared by the islands’ government, via the Directorate General of Emergencies.
The pre-alert is part of the Canary Islands’ Specific Emergency Plan for Risk of Adverse Weather Phenomena (PEFMA). It took effect from 7am local time on Thursday.
The decision was taken after Spain’s weather agency AEMET issued yellow warnings for strong coastal winds for Tenerife and Gran Canaria, which are in place until midnight today. Winds of 29 to 49 kph are forecast, with some areas reaching speeds of up to 61 kph.
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According to local news site Europa Press the winds will result in rough sea conditions. “This situation will generate strong swells, increasing to rough seas on the high seas between the islands and a groundswell from the north and northeast with waves that can reach 2 meters in height,” the site reports.
It added: “Waves will be generated on the north and west coast of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as well as in the north of the rest of the islands, with waves that could reach a height of up to four metres.” According to the Guide to Canary Islands, the government is urging residents and visitors to follow its public safety campaign “Don’t Take Chances At Sea.”
Authorities urge people to “postpone any nautical or sporting activities and avoid swimming in remote or unmonitored beaches”. The public is advised to stay away from piers and areas where they could be hit or swept away by waves. Red flag beaches are “strictly off-limits for swimming” and instructions from lifeguards and emergency personnel must be followed.