STORM EMILIA UPDATE: Canary Islands are on maximum alert and all events cancelled
The Canary Islands authorities have issued new weather alerts, including a maximum alert, as Storm Emilia continues to affect the archipelago. While the first effects of the storm are already being felt, officials warn that the most severe conditions are expected tomorrow, Saturday.
The Directorate General of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government, acting on forecasts from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and under the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Risks (PEFMA), has updated and expanded the alerts currently in force across the islands.
Maximum alert for coastal conditions
The most serious warning in place is a maximum alert for coastal phenomena, due to very dangerous sea conditions that are expected to intensify over the weekend.
Authorities forecast:
- Strong to gale-force northerly winds, force 6 to 8 (up to 74 km/h)
- Rough to very rough seas, especially on northern and western coasts and in inter-island channels
- Combined wave heights of 5 to 7 metres along the north, east and west coasts of the higher islands, as well as the north and west coasts of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
- Elsewhere, waves of 2.5 to 4 metres
Emergency services also warn that with wave heights of this scale:
- Around 10% of waves could reach between 6 and 9 metres
- A small percentage could reach up to 8–12 metres
High tides will further increase the danger:
- Saturday: between 7:55–8:40am and 8:40–9:20pm
- Sunday: between 9:00–9:40am and 9:40–10:15pm
Risk of coastal flooding
Due to the state of the sea, there is a significant risk of coastal flooding, particularly:
- Around 2–3 hours before and after high tide
- In bathing areas, promenades and roads close to the coastline
Residents and tourists are strongly advised to stay well away from the coast, even if conditions appear calm at times.
Rain alerts and flooding risk inland
The existing pre-alert for rain has been upgraded to a full alert, along with a new alert for flooding risk. Storm Emilia is expected to bring persistent and uneven rainfall across the islands:
- Heaviest rainfall in the north of the higher islands, especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria
- Significant local accumulations also possible in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
Expected rainfall totals include:
- Over 40mm in 12 hours in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
- Over 60mm in 12 hours in La Palma and La Gomera
- Up to 80mm in 24 hours in northern Gran Canaria
- Up to 100mm in 12 hours in northern Tenerife
Rain may be weak, moderate or heavy, and could be accompanied by thunderstorms and hail.
Strong wind alert
A wind alert is also in force, with strong and gusty northerly winds affecting:
- Coastal areas
- Inland zones
- High ground and mountain summits
Average wind speeds of 40–60 km/h are expected, with local gusts of 60–70 km/h, and very strong gusts potentially exceeding 70–100 km/h in exposed areas.
Thunderstorms and snow warnings
The government has declared a pre-alert for thunderstorms, warning of:
- Intense electrical activity
- Heavy rain
- Very strong wind gusts
- Possible hail
In addition, a snow alert has been declared for the summits of Tenerife, with pre-alerts for the high ground of La Palma and Gran Canaria.
Snow or sleet is expected above 1,600–1,700 metres, with possible accumulations of:
- More than 5 cm in 24 hours on Tenerife’s peaks
- Around 2 cm in 24 hours on the highest areas of La Palma and Gran Canaria
Advice for British residents and tourists
Authorities urge everyone to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the worst conditions
- Stay away from beaches, coastal roads and promenades
- Follow official advice and emergency instructions
- Check weather and travel updates regularly
All municipal events and activities suspended
The cabildos of each island have advised and instructed municipalities to cancel all cultural events, sports, and leisure activities indoors and outdoors from 5pm Friday until midnight on Saturday night, at any municipal building or venue that is open to the public.
This preventive measure is due to the alert against travelling during storm conditions, and will be reviewed on Saturday for activities planned for Sunday.
Further changes to alerts are possible as Storm Emilia continues to develop. British residents and visitors are advised to take the situation seriously, as this is one of the most severe weather episodes of the season so far.
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