Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.
Wind pre-alert activated across all islands
The Canary Islands are bracing for strong winds over the coming hours, accompanied by continuing heat. From 5:00 PM this Saturday (5 September), the regional government will activate a wind pre-alert across all islands, adding to the existing high-temperature alert for Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura.
Which areas are affected?
The pre-alert covers areas exposed to the trade winds (alisio) on El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, with particular focus on summits and the eastern, south-eastern, western, and north-western slopes, depending on each island’s terrain. Inland areas and the southern coast of Lanzarote, the south of Jandía, and inland zones of Fuerteventura are also included.
The decision was taken by the regional government based on information from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and other sources, in line with the Canary Islands Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Phenomena (PEFMA). Forecasts indicate a strengthening of the trade winds, with moderate to strong winds in exposed areas and the possibility of locally very strong gusts, particularly during Sunday. The strongest accelerations are expected due to orographic effects in specific parts of the islands, notably the interior and southern coast of Lanzarote, southern Jandía on Fuerteventura, the eastern and western slopes of Gran Canaria, the north-western tip and south of Anaga on Tenerife, the eastern and north-western slopes of La Gomera, the south-eastern and north-western tips of La Palma, and the summits and south-eastern and western slopes of El Hierro.
In addition, the presence of medium-level convective cloud cover could produce isolated, locally very strong gusts with shifting directions in high-altitude areas. The regional government stresses that the episode will be irregular and localised, largely dependent on the islands’ varied terrain.
Safety advice from the regional government
In light of the forecast, the regional government urges the public to follow these self-protection measures:
Stay informed about the situation and weather forecasts through various media outlets and pay attention to official guidance. Avoid going out unless strictly necessary, and close and secure doors, windows, and awnings to prevent draughts that could shatter glass. Remove plant pots and any objects from windows, balconies, and rooftops that could fall into the street and cause an accident.
Check properties for loose cornices, balconies, or facades that could shed debris. Delay road travel where possible; if you must drive, check the status of roads and be extra cautious of potential obstacles. Avoid heading out on excursions or camping trips until conditions return to normal.
Refrain from making phone calls to prevent network congestion. Keep away from old buildings, cornices, and walls, and avoid passing by construction sites or structures in poor condition. Stay alert to street furniture, scaffolding, cranes, illuminated signs, and advertising hoardings that could fall or be swept away by the wind. Avoid walking through gardens or tree-lined areas.
Steer clear of cranes and power lines (towers, poles, and cables). Do not climb to high, wind-exposed places such as scaffolding or other structures without proper safety measures.
When driving, moderate your speed and hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands to maintain control of the vehicle during gusts, especially when overtaking. Keep adequate side distance from other vehicles. Drive with caution and watch for obstacles that may have been blown onto the road. Bear in mind that both very light vehicles (such as motorcycles) and large vehicles with significant wind resistance (lorries, vans, vehicles towing trailers or caravans) face a greater risk of being blown off course or overturning in crosswinds.
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