Storm Francis Arrives with Intense Rainfall
Storm Francis reached the Canary Islands on Thursday, 1 January, as forecast, bringing the first significant rainfall, particularly to the western islands. In response to this situation and the latest predictions from the State Meteorological Agency and other sources, the Canary Islands Government, through its General Directorate of Emergencies, has updated the alert status. It maintains a formal weather alert for La Palma and Tenerife due to rainfall, alongside a preliminary warning for the remaining islands. The alert covers the entirety of La Palma, and the south and west of Tenerife.
Heavier and More Prolonged Rain Than Expected
As predicted, the storm is affecting the archipelago from west to east. However, the rain is falling in greater quantities than initially announced and is expected to last longer. Specifically for the island of La Palma, accumulated rainfall over 12 hours could reach and exceed 120 millimetres, especially affecting west-facing slopes and the eastern mid-altitude regions. For the other islands, previous forecasts stand, with intense and persistent rain spread unevenly across El Hierro, La Gomera, and Tenerife. On Tenerife, the rain will particularly affect the west and south and could persist throughout the afternoon.
Rainfall Forecast Across the Archipelago
The heavy rain will also reach the west and south of Gran Canaria during the afternoon, arriving in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote by night. Significant rainfall is possible there until at least 06:00 on Friday the 2nd. Locally heavy and/or thundery showers are likely in the western islands and parts of the west and south of Gran Canaria. In Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, a thundery shower cannot be ruled out in the early hours of Friday morning.
Official Safety Advice and Precautions
In light of this situation, the Canary Islands Government has issued a series of self-protection guidelines:
Check the condition of rooftops, drains, etc. If you live near a ravine, inform your local council if it is clogged with debris or rubble. As heavy rain approaches, pay close attention to instructions given via the media. Never camp in flood-prone areas such as ravines, even in summer. If possible, stay at home, provided your home is not located in a ravine or other at-risk area.
Advice for Drivers and at Home
Avoid driving during heavy rainfall. If it is essential, take extreme precautions: be very aware of water depth, reduce speed, and monitor your brakes. If the vehicle begins to fill with water, it is better to abandon it. Prefer main roads or motorways, avoid forest tracks or secondary roads, and use lower gears. If you must cross flooded areas with a current, tie a rope around your waist and secure the other end to a fixed or heavy object. Do not cross bridges where water flows over them.
If you are caught at home, prevent toxic and/or flammable substances from coming into contact with water. Do not enter flooded areas of the house like garages or basements. Never use the lift, as the electricity could fail at any moment. Turn off the electrical supply. If necessary, do not hesitate to leave your home, heading for higher ground or to where authorities are directing residents. If water isolates you on an upper floor, do not try to swim away, as the current could sweep you away; it is better to wait for help. Do not overestimate your abilities, be prudent, and if necessary, wait for specialist help.
After the Emergency
Once the emergency has passed, do not return to your home until technicians indicate it is safe to do so. When you can access the property, do not light matches or any device that could produce a spark, including light switches. Drink only bottled water.
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