UK tourists issued safety guidance as Canary Islands under state of ‘pre-alert’

Holidaymakers and residents in the Canary Islands are urged to follow the government’s safety guidance as the archipelago braces itself for ‘bad sea conditions all week’.

The government has issued a state of ‘pre-alert’ due to ‘coastal phenomena’. It came into force at 2pm on Sunday, January 26.

It covers the north and west coast of La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, along with the north coast of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Rough sea conditions are expected in the coming days. On Monday, January 27, combined sea swells are expected to reach or exceed 2.5m-3.5m, with a northwesterly wind force of four to five (20 – 38 kilometres per hour). High tide is at 11.45pm - 12.30pm.

On Tuesday, January 28, combined sea swells are expected to reach 3m to 4m. Northwesterly force five winds are forecast with “local areas” of force 6 winds. High tides are at 12am - 12.45am and 12.25pm to 1.10pm.

Residents and visitors to the island should follow the government’s ‘self-protection advice’ which includes the following: not standing on the edge of piers or jetties; not driving on roads near the beach line; and avoiding swimming on beaches where there is a red flag, strong waves and when there is no surveillance.

People are also urged to avoid sports and nautical activities in areas affected by swells and to stay away from the sea if you notice “any unusual swells”.

Weather conditions are expected to be mixed for the islands this week. Forecasting for the Canary Islands for Monday, Aemet said: “Cloudy intervals in the north of the islands with the highest elevations. In the rest of the areas, partly cloudy or clear with cloudy intervals in the morning in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. In the easternmost islands, a