Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.
Rain alert declared for three western islands
The Government of the Canary Islands has declared a rain alert for El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera from midnight this Thursday, 22 October, due to the instability associated with the isolated depression at high levels (DANA) that has been developing over recent days at various points across Spain. The regional executive is also maintaining the current pre-alert for the same weather phenomenon across the rest of the archipelago.
Up to 100 millimetres in twelve hours
In a statement, the regional government said that, through the Directorate General of Emergencies, the decision has been taken under the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Adverse Weather Risks (PEFMA), in line with the forecast from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and other available sources, which predicts significant rainfall of a local nature, albeit irregularly distributed. Specifically, heavy showers could dump up to 30 millimetres in an hour or 100 millimetres over twelve hours at some points on the three westernmost islands, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms.
Advice to avoid road travel
In light of the adverse weather forecast, the Directorate General of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands is asking the public to take extra self-protection measures to avoid risky situations. In particular, people are advised to avoid travelling by road and, where a journey is essential, to use main roads where possible and steer clear of secondary routes or, above all, forest tracks. Drivers are also advised to moderate their speed, increase braking distance and pay attention to water levels, as well as not to cross or park in low-lying areas or flood-prone channels given the risk of sudden flooding or flash floods in normally dry spots or ravines.
Stay out of garages, basements and lifts
For the same reason, people should not enter garages or basements of buildings, and should avoid using lifts. In the event of thunderstorms, doors and windows should be closed, since draughts can attract lightning, and people should move away from towers, fences or any other metal structure and avoid sheltering under trees. Further self-protection advice for the public is available at gobiernodecanarias.org/emergencias/consejos, and in any emergency the number to call is 112.
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Friday: trade winds return and skies clear
Thursday: heavy showers fade as calima drifts in
Canary Islands on alert as heavy rain warnings escalate
Rain alert declared for El Hierro as La Palma stays on pre-alert
Wednesday: showers and unstable air across the Islands
Tuesday: heavy showers and storms in El Hierro
El Hierro issued yellow warning for heavy rain
Monday: autumn showers and a cooler feel
Sunday: scattered clouds and showers on the islands
