Canary Islands Issue Coastal Weather Alert for Strong Winds and High Seas

The Canary Islands government has issued a coastal weather alert starting at midnight on Monday, July 20. The warning affects Tenerife, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and La Graciosa. This preventive measure follows forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and the activation of the regional emergency plan for adverse weather.

The alert is due to strong northeasterly winds reaching speeds of 50 to 61 kilometers per hour (Force 7). These conditions are expected to affect inter-island ferry routes, particularly in the waters between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, where navigation may become difficult.

Wave heights will vary by location:

• Tenerife: East, south, and west coasts are under surveillance, with waves potentially exceeding 2.5 meters in the southeast.
• El Hierro: Combined seas of up to 3.25 meters are expected in the northeast.
• Gran Canaria: Swells of over 2.5 meters are forecast for the west, east, and south.
• Lanzarote and La Graciosa: Waves between 2 and 2.5 meters are expected in the northeast.

This alert is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid high-risk areas, including breakwaters, piers, and rocky shorelines. Nautical and recreational activities in exposed areas should be avoided.

Residents and visitors are reminded to follow all beach signage and instructions from lifeguards. In an emergency, please call 112. The government will continue to monitor the weather closely and provide updates as conditions change.