The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasts a weekend marked by rain, storms, and cooler temperatures in Lanzarote and La Graciosa. Both islands are under yellow alert for accumulated rainfall that can reach 15 millimeters of water per hour.
This alert, according to Aemet, will begin at 3:00 PM this Friday, October 9, and will extend until 8:59 AM on Saturday. For its part, the Directorate General of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has declared a pre-alert for rainfall in Lanzarote, La Graciosa, Fuerteventura, and on the northern slopes of the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Specifically, heavy and scattered showers are expected, which may be accompanied by isolated storms. Intensities could reach and exceed 15 mm of rain accumulated in one hour, especially in the afternoon-evening hours. Furthermore, instability decreases towards the west, so the appearance of heavy rainfall will be more probable in the islands of Lanzarote, La Graciosa, and Fuerteventura, and less predictable in the north of Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
This instability is due to the entry of a humid flow from the south, contrasting with one from the poles with the descent of a trough (a tongue of cold air) that will likely turn into a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels).
For Saturday, heavy showers are expected in Lanzarote during the early morning from Friday to Saturday, which could be accompanied by isolated storms. There will be a predominance of cloudy intervals with light to locally moderate rainfall. Regarding temperatures, they will barely change, with lows between 19 and 21 degrees and highs of 26. The wind will blow moderately from the north.
As for Sunday, cloudy intervals are generally expected. During the central hours of the day, developing clouds will grow, with a probability of occasional showers in inland areas and southern slopes, being less probable in the easternmost islands. For their part, temperatures will be between 19 and 27 degrees. The wind will blow from light to moderate from the northeast.
Prevention measures
-Pay attention to meteorological forecasts and the recommendations of the authorities in this regard.
-Check the condition of roofs, terraces, and water tanks, as well as drains and downspouts.
-Even if the sky is clear, do not park your vehicle in the path of ravines.
-Check and have ready flashlights or candles, camping-style gas stove in anticipation of lack of electricity, drinking water, medicines, battery-powered radio, etc.
-Close and secure windows and doors to prevent water entry. Small protections can help shelter you in case of flooding.
-Avoid hiking, going on excursions or camping until normality is restored.
-Avoid cycling or handbiking on island roads.
-Avoid road travel; if you must travel, exercise extreme caution and do not cross areas that may flood.
Measures
-Tune into local radio stations and follow the instructions given.
-If you observe that the storm is accompanied by lightning or thunder, close the windows and doors of your home as air currents attract lightning.
-Unplug electrical appliances to prevent them from being damaged by a power surge or causing electric shocks.
-In case of flooding, disconnect the main electricity switch of the home.
-If the storm catches you while driving, reduce speed and exercise extreme caution as the road may be affected by landslides.
-Do not stop in areas where a large amount of water may flow, nor cross flooded sections to avoid being swept away by the force of the water.
-Stay away from towers, fences, or any other metal structure.
-Do not take shelter under trees. Remember that wet wood is also a conductor of electricity.
-In the city, buildings can protect you from the risk of shocks.
-In the countryside, seek low-lying areas, avoiding deep valleys; mountain slopes are safer.
-Avoid making phone calls to prevent lines from becoming overloaded.
-In case of emergency, do not hesitate to call 1-1-2.
-For any information request, call 0-12.
Add La Voz de Lanzarote as a preferred Google source.
Stay informed with the latest current news.