Tenerife, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Graciosa will be on pre-alert for coastal phenomena from 00:00 hours this Monday, 20 July, according to the Government of the Canary Islands. Waves of up to 3.25 meters and winds of force 7 are expected.
The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has declared a pre-alert for coastal phenomena in five islands of the archipelago starting at midnight this Monday, 20 July. The measure responds to the forecast of strong northeast winds in the inter-island channels and the increase of wave activity in several coastal areas.
Affected areas and wave height
In Tenerife, the pre-alert will affect the east, south and west coasts, where waves may reach and exceed 2.5 meters on the southeast coast. In El Hierro, the warning focuses on the north and east coasts, with combined seas of up to 3.25 meters in the northeast. In Gran Canaria, the affected areas will be the east, south and west coasts, with wave heights of more than 2.5 meters on the west coast. In Lanzarote and La Graciosa, the pre-alert affects the northeast coasts, with waves between 2 and 2.5 meters.
The decision is made following information provided by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and in application of the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA). It is a preventive measure to anticipate possible risks along the coast.
Winds of force 7 in the inter-island channels
One of the main factors motivating the declaration of pre-alert is the forecast of strong northeast winds in the inter-island maritime channels. According to the General Directorate of Emergencies, winds may reach between 50 and 61 kilometres per hour, which is equivalent to force 7 on the Beaufort scale.
The most adverse conditions are expected south of the channel between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, as well as offshore in the southeast of Gran Canaria. This scenario may complicate navigation and maritime activities, especially in small or recreational vessels.
The Government of the Canary Islands urges the public to exercise caution and follow self-protection recommendations while these maritime conditions persist. The pre-alert is preventive and aims to avoid incidents along the coast.
Recommendations for the public
The General Directorate of Emergencies has disseminated a series of self-protection advice for citizens. Among the usual recommendations during coastal phenomena episodes is to avoid being in docks, breakwaters, rocks or areas close to the waves.
It is also advised not to approach the coast to view the sea, not to take photographs or videos in exposed locations, and to suspend nautical or recreational activities if conditions are not safe. Authorities remind that a wave can sweep a person away even when the sea seems to give a respite between sets.
For residents in the affected islands, the recommendation is clear: stay informed through official channels and avoid any activity that poses unnecessary risk. The pre-alert will remain active until weather conditions improve, which is expected in the coming hours.
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