The Santa Cruz City Council, led by the Department of Security, has taken the step to implement the Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU) in response to an alert situation. Outdoor activities in the municipality have been suspended due to a wind alert issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, starting from 8:00 p.m. today.
The suspension of activities includes the highly anticipated mass and procession of the Lord of Tribulations scheduled for this afternoon at 7:00 p.m., as well as the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the 130 years of Lord of Tribulations Street. The Centro-Ifara district has announced the rescheduling of this celebration to next Wednesday, April 10.
As outlined in the decree signed by the Councilor for Security, Gladis de León, the activation of PEMU will entail the suspension of activities starting from 8:00 p.m. Consequently, all outdoor activities organized by the Santa Cruz City Council have been postponed, along with the closure of municipal outdoor facilities that attract public gatherings (such as sports centres, municipal swimming pools, sports fields, etc.).
This situation will remain in effect for the duration of the wind alert issued by the Government of the Canary Islands. It is advised to adhere to the specific recommendations for such risks, including avoiding unnecessary travel and heeding the advice of authorities, while keeping updated through official sources and the media.
It is advisable to secure doors, windows, and awnings to prevent potential damage from gusts that could lead to glass breakage. Additionally, it is recommended to remove pots and any objects that may fall onto the street causing accidents from windows, balconies, and rooftops. Homes should be inspected to ensure there are no deteriorating cornices, balconies, or facades that could result in falling debris.
According to the alert issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, a general north and northeast wind is anticipated, with an average speed ranging between 20 and 50 km/hour, capable of reaching 50-60 km/hour in certain areas on prominent islands. In Tenerife, the strongest gusts are expected in the Teno Massif, the south face of the Cañadas del Teide, Cordillera Dorsal, Anaga Massif, La Laguna – Santa Cruz de Tenerife metropolitan area, El Rosario, and coastal areas of Fasnia, Arico, and Granadilla de Abona.
Alert for Forest Fire Risk
In addition to the wind alert, there is a heightened risk of forest fires, which has also been activated by the Government of the Canary Islands through the General Directorate of Emergencies starting from 3:00 p.m. tomorrow, April 9.
This alert is due to the influx of warm and dry continental African air, accompanied by varying degrees of haze, leading to unusually high temperatures for this time of year. The temperature inversion will persist, settling at less than 400 meters altitude for several days, with relative humidity expected to drop below 30%. Temperatures will rise starting from tomorrow, Tuesday, and will significantly increase between Wednesday and Thursday. The forested areas could see a temperature elevation exceeding ten degrees, with maximum daytime temperatures likely to equal or surpass 30-32 ºC starting Thursday.
Moreover, the alert declaration by the General Directorate of Emergencies indicates that there will be variable winds in direction and intensity in mid-range and high areas during this period. This situation is compounded by meteorological drought and a deficit in rainfall, particularly on the southern and western slopes of the islands. The impact will initially be felt in Gran Canaria, where the alert becomes effective as of 3:00 p.m. tomorrow, and subsequently extended to the rest of the islands throughout Wednesday, with the Alert coming into effect from 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
