ALERT: Rough Seas and Strong Winds Expected in the Canary Islands This Weekend!

The Government of the Canary Islands has issued a pre-alert for severe coastal conditions starting at 8:00 AM on Saturday, March 8th, warning of dangerous sea conditions throughout the weekend.

Areas Affected

This alert covers the northern coasts of La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, as well as the northern and western shores of El Hierro, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Additionally, the western, northern, and northeastern coasts of La Palma are also at risk.

This precautionary measure is based on meteorological data from AEMET (State Meteorological Agency) and other official sources under the Canary Islands’ Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Risks.

AEMET’s Extended Yellow Warning

AEMET has expanded its yellow-level warning for hazardous coastal conditions across the Canary Islands. Key details include:

• Saturday (March 8th):
  • From midday: Eastern and western coasts of La Palma.
  • In the afternoon: The warning extends to Lanzarote, El Hierro, northern and metropolitan areas of Tenerife, and western Fuerteventura.
• Sunday (March 9th):
  • The alert remains active all day in Lanzarote.
  • In Fuerteventura, conditions are expected to improve by early morning.
  • In La Palma, El Hierro, and Tenerife, the warning is in place until midday.

Weather Forecast: High Waves & Strong Winds

Authorities warn of significantly worsening sea conditions, with the following expected:

• Wave heights between 3 and 5 meters due to a strong northwesterly swell.
• Winds from the northeast at speeds ranging from 12 to 28 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 38 km/h in some locations.
• The sea state will range from rough to very rough, creating dangerous conditions along the coastline.

Safety Warnings & Recommendations

The Canary Islands Government is urging residents and visitors to take extreme precautions and avoid unnecessary risks. Key safety measures include: ✅ Avoid walking along the coast, driving near shorelines, or taking selfies in risky areas. ✅ Postpone all water-based activities, including swimming and nautical sports, until conditions improve. ✅ Follow all warning flags and avoid swimming in unsupervised or remote areas. ✅ Steer clear of piers, breakwaters, and coastal cliffs—waves can sweep people away in an instant. ✅ If waves suddenly intensify, retreat to a safe location immediately, even if conditions appear to improve later. ✅ Warn others if they are in danger, and call emergency services (112) immediately if needed.

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary to ensure public safety during this period of severe weather.

Stay alert, stay safe, and avoid the coastline until conditions improve!