The City Council of La Laguna has announced its first set of measures in response to the critical situation in the Canary Islands due to adverse coastal events starting tonight.
To ensure people’s safety, the City Council has decided to close the Jover, Bajamar, and Punta del Hidalgo facilities due to the strong sea conditions. They are strongly advising against approaching these coastal areas, particularly cautioning individuals who might be tempted to take photographs out of curiosity.
The regional government, in coordination with the General Directorate of Emergencies, has officially declared a state of alert in the Canary Islands due to coastal events starting from 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, 9th March. This decision is based on information provided by the State Meteorological Agency and other relevant sources, following the guidelines of the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).
The weather forecasts indicate a rough sea condition, mainly due to swells, along with northwest and north winds with speeds ranging from 2 to 4 on the Beaufort scale (10 – 30 km/h), with gusts up to 30 – 40 km/h in open waters between the islands. Expect swells of 3.5 – 4.5 meters from the northwest, combined with sea waves of 4 – 6 meters, and the possibility of larger waves in specific locations.
Furthermore, the influence of spring tides during the new moon phase, with a tidal coefficient of 116 (close to the maximum range of 120), and the high tides on Sunday (00:45 – 01:15 h and 13:15 – 13:45 h) and Monday (01:25 – 01:55 h and 13:50 – 14:25 h) must be taken into consideration.
This situation increases the risk of coastal flooding due to wave surges along promenades and roads near the coast during high tides, especially two hours before and up to an hour and a half after the peak high tide, particularly on the northern and western coasts of all the islands.
The Canary Islands government urges the population to avoid any hazardous activities near the coast and to strictly follow safety instructions to prevent any harm.
During this period, it is crucial to refrain from standing on docks, jetties, or areas close to the sea where waves could pose a danger. Remember that swimming is prohibited on beaches with red flags, and it is advised to stay away from areas with strong waves, rip currents, or lacking lifeguard services.
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Until the sea conditions improve, it is recommended to avoid coastal walks and driving near the beach. Postponing nautical and sports activities, as well as refraining from swimming at unsupervised beaches, is advisable. If unusual wave activity is observed, it is advised to stay away from the water, even if it seems to calm down suddenly.
