Warning for UK tourists heading to Canary Islands over 'phenomena'

Liv Clarke, Tourism writer & Susan Newton
·2-min read
Coast of Puerto de Mogan. Gran Canaria. Canary Islands
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)


UK tourists heading to the Canary Islands are being warned as the state is under a 'pre-alert'.

'Coastal phenomena' in the archipelago have been caused by rough sea conditions. The north and west coast of El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote; and the north coast of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are covered by the warning.

The Government of the Canary Islands declared the pre-alert state, which came into force at 8am on Tuesday, November 26 but remains in place. The government said the decision was made by “taking into account the information provided by the State Meteorological Agency and other available sources, and in application of the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).”

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Northeasterly or easterly winds have been warned, with speeds up to 19km/h and local areas experiencing winds of up to 28km/h. Sea conditions are expected to be rough with northwesterly swells of up to 3.5m, the Manchester Evening News reports.

High tides are something to be particularly careful of, which are at 10.30am to 11.05am, and 11pm to 11.30pm local time on Wednesday, November 27. Safety measures should be adhered to during rough sea conditions, with people warned not to stand at the edge of piers or breakwaters or drive along roads near the shoreline.

The Directorate General of Emergencies also warns people not to swing at remote or unfamiliar beaches and observe red-flag warnings. People should also refrain from water sports and stay clear of the sea if they notice any abnormal wave activity, even if conditions seem calm.

Regarding swimming in Spain, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warns travellers to take care when swimming in the sea, especially around the Spanish Islands, which includes the Canaries. It adds: "Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs."

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