Canaries on High Alert
The Local authorities have issued a ‘high alert’ warning for the island of El Hierro as winds there could reach up to 90 kilometres per hour. The Canarian Government has declared an ‘alert’ situation for El Hierro and a ‘pre-alert’ for the rest of the islands, prompted by information received from a forecast issued by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The forecast indicates, moderate east and southeast winds will arrive in the El Hierro region from dawn today, but will grow in strength around lunchtime. Maximum gusts are expected to be between 60-90 kilometres per hour.
The main force of the winds will be felt in El Hierro, especially in the north eastern end of the island, the Gulf Valley and the high areas and peaks. It is also expected that some of the higher areas of the island of La Palma, will also be affected including the summit and the north and west slopes. In Tenerife strong gusts will be noticeable in Las Cañadas del Teide and additional high areas in the north and west of the island, including in the north eastern municipalities; Santa Úrsula, Tegueste, La Victoria, La Matanza, El Sauzal, Tacoronte, and La Laguna and the northern slope of Santa Cruz.
Strong, gusty winds will also hit the central areas, high areas and peaks of the north and the western half of Gran Canaria, as well as the north and western slopes of Fuerteventura, the central and western areas in Lanzarote, and the northern slopes of La Graciosa.
The local authorities recommend that people take appropriate precautions such as removing pots or anything from balconies that could fall into the road below, tying down anything that is loose, such as surf boards, tarpaulins etc., staying away from cranes and large billboards or anything that could easily be removed by strong winds. They have also advised that people take extra care when out and about either on foot, near water or in vehicles and to watch out for large waves, fallen trees and branches and things that may have been blown into the road.