Gran Canaria Cabildo closing nine access roads to Aríñez because of snow

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria are to shield the accesses to the summit of the island in anticipation of an ‘avalanche’ of onlookers wanting to enjoy the snow, for which it will close nine access roads from all directions.

The weather forecast is pointing to a short but intense snowfall that could drop to an altitude of 1,400 metres which is the height of Aríñez, which has lead to a weather alert by the Canary Islands Government and the activation of the Insular Emergency Plan.

For this reason, in addition to activating the emergency operation and closing the recreational and camping areas above this level, the Cabildo are preparing roadblocks at nine crossroads that will be executed when the snowfall and level are confirmed.

The crossroads where it will prevent further progress towards the centre of the island are those of Las Rosas, Camaretas, Cueva Corcho and Aríñez, to the north; Ayacata and La Tejeda to the south; Los Marteles to the east; and Juncalillo Fontanales to the west.

Other secondary roads and cross roads will also be closed to circulation, although, in any case, this initial plan will be adapted to the weather situation.

The next planned step would be to open the aforementioned crossings until only the Pico de Las Nieves is inaccessible, depending on the circumstances and if it presents any danger. The idea is that the access roads will only be opened when there is no risk to the population.

The Cabildo is once again making an appeal to the population to avoid visiting or climbing the peaks and endangering themselves and let the services work so that this episode passes without personal incidents.