Orange weather alert in the Canary Islands for strong winds

The Department of Security and Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has declared a wind alert in the Canary Islands with an orange warning based on advice from AEMET (the State Meteorological Centre), in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro from 6:00am on Sunday.

The wind alert in the Canary Islands is due to increasing winds from the west and southwest, which currently have an average speed of 30-50km/h, with stronger gusts in high areas and at summits, which are forecast to reach and exceed 80-90km/h over the weekend, which in turn will cause adverse and dangerous sea conditions.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A WIND ALERT IN THE CANARY ISLANDS:
- Close doors and windows to avoid drafts that can lead to glass breaking.

- Remove pots and any objects that could fall from balconies and roof terraces into the street below.

- Check cornices, balconies, and facades of houses to see if any are in poor condition that can cause debris to fall.

- Avoid hiking or camping until the warning is over.

- Take extra care if driving as motorcycles and large vehicles (trucks, vans, vehicles with trailers or caravans) are in danger of overturning in crosswinds.

WHAT TO AVOID:

- Avoid walking through gardens or wooded areas.

- Stay away from walls, old houses, scaffolding, illuminated signs, billboards, and other structures that can be blown over by the wind.

- Try to stay away from the shoreline (beaches, boardwalks, pier jetties, etc.) to avoid being hit or swept away by freak waves.

- In an emergency, do not hesitate to call 1-1-2.