New weather alerts issued for Canary Islands amid storm warnings

The Canary Islands are on high alert as the regional government, through the Directorate General of Emergencies, has declared a pre-alert status for storms across the archipelago starting at 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22. Additionally, a pre-alert for rain will begin at midnight on the same day.

This decision is based on data provided by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and other available sources, as outlined in the Canary Islands' Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).

Storm and Rain Forecast

Forecasts indicate the likelihood of moderate to strong storms, with localized hail possible. The dynamic nature of the weather system suggests that more intense storms could develop in isolated areas.

Storms, characterized by electrical activity, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and occasional hail, are expected to be accompanied by unevenly distributed rain across the islands. Persistent rainfall is anticipated, especially in the western and northern regions, with isolated heavy showers or thunderstorms likely.

In higher altitudes, such as the peaks of La Palma and Tenerife, snowfall is expected above 2,000 meters.

Additional Pre-Alerts

These warnings come on top of pre-alerts issued earlier this week for strong winds and coastal hazards.

• Winds: Strong west and southwest winds are expected in areas including Vilaflor, Macizo de Teno, and the Teide National Park in Tenerife, as well as in the highlands and eastern slopes of La Palma. Wind speeds are predicted to range between 40–60 km/h, with gusts possibly exceeding 70 km/h (and 90 km/h in Teide).
• Coastal Conditions: Northern and western coasts of La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and northern Tenerife and Gran Canaria remain under pre-alert for rough seas.

Aemet has issued yellow alerts for rain, storms, and coastal phenomena across the Canary Islands for Wednesday, January 22.

• Rain: Moderate to persistent rainfall could accumulate up to 15 liters per square meter in an hour, particularly in the highlands and northern and northwestern slopes.
• Storms: Thunderstorms are likely in northern and western areas, potentially accompanied by small hail and snow in the peaks of La Palma and Tenerife.
• Coastal Hazards: Combined waves could reach 3–5 meters in height, with strong swells from the northwest. Winds of force 4–6 are expected, shifting to a northerly direction and weakening by late Wednesday.