Weather Alert in Canary Islands Due to Severe Wind and Rain
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 7 November – The Canary Islands’ General Directorate of Emergencies has issued a wind alert starting at 12:00 today for the western islands, including La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, and Tenerife. Gran Canaria is also included in this alert, while Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and La Graciosa are on pre-alert status.
Additionally, a coastal alert for strong waves will be in effect from 18:00 today across the northern and western coastlines of the archipelago. Rain alerts for the western islands and Gran Canaria will begin at 21:00, with the same pre-alert for the eastern islands.
The regional government has made this decision based on information from the National Meteorological Agency and other sources, following the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Events in the Canary Islands (PEFMA).
Today’s weather is expected to be affected by the high-impact storm ‘Bruna’, producing strong winds primarily in higher areas of the islands. La Palma is forecasted to experience very strong gusts starting around midday, especially in its peaks and the northwest coast, with speeds exceeding 70 km/h. El Hierro’s highlands may see winds from the south surpassing 60 km/h.
Winds are set to intensify on Sunday, potentially reaching over 90 km/h in mountainous regions and the eastern coast of La Palma.
Sea Conditions Deteriorating
An increase in sea conditions is expected starting Saturday, with rough seas and swells potentially reaching 3-4 metres from Monday. Winds will also be prominent, with speeds of Force 7 (50 to 61 km/h) and wave periods of 12 seconds. By Sunday afternoon, these conditions will particularly impact the western shores of La Palma and El Hierro before spreading to other exposed coasts.
Heavy and Persistent Rain Forecasted
Heavy rain will commence from 21:00 today, associated with storm ‘Bruna’. The downpours are expected to start on La Palma tonight and spread east throughout Sunday, affecting all islands in the archipelago.
La Palma is likely to see particularly intense and persistent rainfall, with possible accumulations of over 30 mm within an hour and up to 100 mm over twelve hours. El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria are also expected to experience strong rain, with intensities around 25 mm/h. Meanwhile, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and La Graciosa may see intense rain at 20 mm/h, though less persistently than in the mountainous islands.
