The councils of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura have activated their island emergency plans (PEIN) in response to the alert situation, following the prediction of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) due to the presence of a storm over the islands with a risk of rain, and a pre-alert for possible storms, wind, and flash floods.
These plans are activated in accordance with the Specific Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands for risks of adverse weather events (PEFMA), as reported by the island councils.
In the case of Gran Canaria, there is an alert for rain, accompanied by wind and lightning, and although it does not affect the entire island, it is expected especially on the southern slope of the island, where the storm ‘Olivier’ is expected to enter, so it is recommended to avoid travel and park vehicles in flood-prone areas.
The storm is expected to approach from the west, southwest of the Canary Islands, with the western islands being the first to be affected. The passage of the storm with its associated fronts will bring intense and persistent rainfall to the islands, with a chance of thunderstorms with lightning and hail in the easternmost islands (Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in this case).
Strong winds with intensities of 70 km/h are also expected in the summit areas of the islands with higher relief; while in the south of the island, moderate rain is expected from the early hours of this Wednesday.
The impact of this first front is practically for the entire island, especially in the capital area, where higher intensities may occur, although the most intense and persistent rainfall is expected for this Thursday, where the impact of ‘Olivier’ on the archipelago could bring intense rainfall (up to 30 mm/h) and persistent rainfall (accumulated 50 mm in 12 hours).
In this case, the affected area is the southwest of the island, although rain is not ruled out in practically the entire island territory; while the winds will be from the southwest with gusts of up to 70 km/h for the islands with higher relief, including Gran Canaria.
LANZAROTE
As for Lanzarote, it is expected to be affected by intense rain, possible storms, and waves of 3 to 4 meters in height. Specifically, the rain alert will start from 00:00 hours this Wednesday.
Here, the storm Oliver will bring instability, cloudiness, and precipitation to all the islands. Weak, moderate, strong, and persistent rainfall is also expected, with a chance of heavy and very heavy showers reaching and exceeding 15-30mm in 1 hour and 40-80mm in 12 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms with lightning.
A pre-alert for possible floods throughout the Autonomous Community has also been decreed, so it is necessary for municipalities to monitor common black spots susceptible to localized flooding.
In accordance with this resolution, the alert provided in the PEIN is activated on the islands of Lanzarote and La Graciosa. Additionally, following the recommendations of the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Consortium for Safety and Emergencies recommends the suspension of leisure, sports, educational, and cultural activities outdoors while the alert is in effect.
FUERTEVENTURA
Regarding the island of Fuerteventura, on alert for rain from 00:00 hours, as well as on pre-alert for storms and the risk of flash floods, the island’s Department of Safety and Emergencies, as well as the Island Water Council and the municipalities, have reinforced their personnel, and other services such as roads or the environment have been activated.
The island council will emphasize monitoring flood-prone areas and the need to avoid parking vehicles in high-risk areas.
The risk of floods could affect areas such as Barranco de Gran Tarajal, the endorreic basin of Lajares and La Oliva, Barranco de Tetir, Barranco de Las Playitas, Barranco de Casillas del Ángel, and Barranco de los Varichelos (El Matorral).
Finally, the population is urged to follow the self-protection advice of the General Directorate of Emergencies:
