The Garoé storm will bring wind and rough seas to the Canary Islands

The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has declared pre-alert situations for wind and coastal phenomena from next night due to the approach to the islands of the Atlantic storm Garoé, which will bring winds of up to 90 kilometers per hour and rough seas.

The worsening of the sea state will affect the entire archipelago, especially the coasts open to the north, and wind gusts are expected to exceed 70 km/h in different areas of La Palma and Tenerife, and may exceed 90 km/h in El Teide, 112 Canarias reported this Monday.

The pre-alert situation for wind will remain active from midnight this Tuesday, January 21, and will affect the midlands and high areas of the northwest, east slope and peaks of La Palma, as well as Vilaflor, Macizo de Teno, high areas of Granadilla de Abona and Arico, in addition to the Teide National Park, in La Orotava, on the island of Tenerife.

The weather forecast points to strong west and southwest wind, with an average speed of 40-60 km/h, which can reach 60-90 km/h per hour in El Teide and with very strong gusts that will probably reach and exceed 70 km/h in the islands affected by this phenomenon and 90 kilometers per hour in El Teide.

Regarding the worsening of the sea state, the pre-alert situation for coastal phenomena will also be in effect from 03:00 tomorrow, Tuesday, and will affect all the islands, affecting the north and west coasts of La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, as well as the north coast of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Poor sea conditions are expected, with combined sea swells that will probably reach and/or exceed 3-5 meters, in addition to southwest and west wind force 4-5 to locally 6, which will roll to the north component and lose intensity in the second half of Wednesday, January 22.

Swell is also expected with large areas of strong swell and northwest groundswell of 2.5 to 4.5 meters.

Given this situation, the Government of the Canary Islands recommends that the population take extreme precautions on the coasts of the islands and insists on the importance of putting self-protection advice into practice to avoid risks at sea and in areas where the wind may cause greater impact.

It is advisable not to be located on docks and breakwaters, or remain in places near the sea to avoid being hit or dragged by the waves, as well as postpone nautical or sports activities planned for these days and not swim on secluded or unguarded beaches, among other recommendations.

In addition, given the gusts of wind, it is important to remove pots and objects that may fall on the street from windows, balconies and roofs.

It is advisable not to approach buildings under construction or in poor condition, as well as scaffolding, cranes, illuminated signs, billboards or any other element that may be dragged by the wind.

You should also avoid walking or going on excursions or camping in the areas affected by the wind until normality is restored and take extreme precautions when traveling by road due to the possible presence of obstacles on the roads.

This decision has been made based on the information provided by the State Meteorological Agency and other available sources, and in application of the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA)