The Tenerife Cabildo has today (Saturday the 14th) activated the Tenerife Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) due to a maximum wind alert impacting the Island. As a result, recreational and camping areas have been closed, and access to forest trails and paths is temporarily prohibited.
Following the AEMET forecast and additional sources, the General Directorate of Emergencies has updated the situation, escalating to a maximum wind alert for the northern and western municipalities of Tenerife, while the rest of the municipalities remain on alert.
The weather forecast predicts strong winds from the south and southeast, with average speeds of 40–70 km/h, particularly affecting the northern and western slopes, midlands, elevated areas, and summits. Very strong gusts may occur, with localised hurricanes potentially reaching or exceeding 80-120 km/h.
Consequently, the Cabildo has implemented a temporary closure of recreational and camping areas overseen by the insular Corporation. Additionally, cross-country traffic on any trails, paths, or tracks within wooded areas (including Anaga and Teno Rural Parks) is strictly prohibited, except for management purposes or emergencies. Access to the trails in Teide National Park and Barranco de Masca is also restricted.
Preventive Actions
Rosa Dávila, the Cabildo president, states, “We have activated the Island Emergency Plan in response to the maximum wind alert affecting some municipalities in Tenerife. We must take preventive actions to ensure the safety of the public and urge citizens to exercise extreme caution and, wherever possible, refrain from outdoor activities.”
Blanca Pérez, Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, adds, “These measures are intended to safeguard the population, as the predicted winds pose risks of falling trees, branches, and landslides. It is important to be cautious to prevent unnecessary accidents.” Pérez also highlights that “we are monitoring the situation closely as the winds may impact coastal areas, emphasising the need for preparedness against adverse coastal weather conditions.”
The activation of PEIN signifies an intensive monitoring of the weather conditions and ensures that island resources are on standby should intervention become necessary. Thus, various departments within the Cabildo will halt or postpone outdoor activities, particularly those scheduled in the affected zones. Furthermore, personnel and resources remain alert should their assistance be required.
The Cabildo encourages municipalities to assess the implementation of preventive measures in light of the situation and advises residents to adhere to self-protection guidelines issued by Civil Protection authorities, particularly avoiding access to elevated areas of the island and refraining from outdoor activities.
Trails Closed
The Tenerife Cabildo has decided to close access on foot to the trails of Teide National Park starting from 00:00 hours today, Saturday, December 14. This decision was made to ensure the safety of individuals following the wind alert declared by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government.
Specifically, access is restricted on the following trails:
- Trail No. 7: Montaña Blanca-Pico Teide, covering the section between the summit of Montaña Blanca and the junction with trails No. 7 and No. 11 Mirador de La Fortaleza.
- Trail No. 11: La Fortaleza Viewpoint.
- Trail No. 10: Telesforo Bravo.
- Trail No. 12: Pico Viejo Viewpoint.
- Trail No. 23: Black Regatones.
- Trail No. 28: Chafarí.
- Trail No. 9: Teide – Pico Viejo – TF-38 road, covering the section where this trail intersects with trails No. 38 (Cuevas Negras) and No. 12 (Mirador de Pico Viejo).
- Access to the Masca Ravine has also been closed to guarantee the safety of the public.
Recommendations for Citizens
- Secure doors and windows to prevent draughts that could lead to shattering glass.
- Remove flower pots and any objects that might fall from balconies and rooftops onto the street.
- Inspect properties for any unstable cornices, balconies, or facades that could lead to falling debris.
- Refrain from hiking or camping until conditions normalise.
- Consider postponing road trips; if travel is necessary, take extreme precautions and use public transport where possible.
- Motorcycles and large vehicles with substantial surface area exposed to the wind (such as trucks, vans, and vehicles with trailers or caravans) are particularly vulnerable to overturning in crosswinds.
