The Cabildo of Tenerife has prohibited foot access to the trails in Teide National Park starting at 00:00 on Saturday following the wind alert issued by the Government of the Canary Islands.
Specifically, the General Directorate of Emergencies, informed by AEMET forecasts and other available resources, declared a wind alert on the island of Tenerife from Saturday morning, implementing the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena.
The president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, emphasises that this action is taken “to ensure the safety of the public.”
In light of the wind alert, “we have chosen to close the foot access trails to Teide as it is unsafe for walking.”
Specifically, in the Cañadas del Teide and at elevations over 1,800-2,000 metres, strong south and southwest winds are anticipated, with average speeds ranging from 50-80 km/h, and potentially higher gusts on Pico del Teide, where gusts could reach or exceed 90 km/h.
The regulations established by the Cabildo of Tenerife on November 30 stipulate measures related to meteorological conditions.
The regulations specify that in cases of official alert due to Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (AMP) as declared by the Government of the Canary Islands, in accordance with the PEFMA (Prealert, Alert and Maximum Alert), when these conditions impact the trails of Teide National Park, public access will be forbidden, and the trails will remain closed 24 hours a day while the alert is valid.
Access will be restricted starting at 00:00 on Saturday for the following routes: Trail number 7 Montaña Blanca-Pico Teide, the segment between Montaña Blanca’s summit and the junction between trails 7 and 11; trail number 11 from the Mirador de La Fortaleza; trail number 10 (Telesforo Bravo); trail number 12 (Pico Viejo Viewpoint); trail number 23 ‘Regatones Negros’; trail number 28 ‘Chafarí’; and trail number 9 Teide-Pico Viejo, which includes the section connecting with trails 38 (Cuevas Negras) and 12 (Mirador de Pico Viejo).
Blanca Pérez, the Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability and Security, warns in a statement that individuals disregarding this prohibition may incur a fine of 600 euros.
Furthermore, should it apply, the rescue fees imposed by the Government of the Canary Islands or the Consortium for Prevention, Fire Extinction and Rescue of the Island of Tenerife may range from 2,000 to 12,000 euros.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE WEEKEND
Reports from the Tenerife Cabildo indicate that an Atlantic storm forming west of the Canary Islands will cause meteorological instability across the islands.
Although the active fronts, rainfall, and storms will be distant from the archipelago, a combination of strong and gusty winds, haze, predominantly medium and high cloudiness, rising temperatures, and potential rainfall is anticipated in Tenerife, primarily as showers with significant drops, moving in from the south.
In the Cañadas del Teide, at heights exceeding 1,800-2,000 metres, strong southerly and southwesterly winds are predicted, with average speeds of 50-80 km/h, and possibly greater speeds on Pico del Teide.
Additionally, gusts exceeding 90 km/h are likely from Saturday morning until Monday the 16th, which will continue to experience strong winds, albeit at reduced intensity.
Along the coast, in the midlands, and in higher areas below 1,800-2,000 metres, winds from the southeast are expected, with average speeds of 30-50 km/h, accompanied by very strong gusts reaching or exceeding 70-80 km/h, with some exceptionally intense local spots anticipated, particularly in the crest area of the Anaga massif, the dorsal mountain range, and the Teno Massif.
