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UK tourists warned as Canary Islands placed under state of ‘pre-alert’
by Liv Clarke · Manchester Evening NewsThe Canary Islands are currently under a state of ‘pre-alert’ for ‘coastal phenomena’ after rough sea conditions were forecast for the archipelago. The north and west coast of El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote; and the north coast of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are covered by the warning.
The state of pre-alert, declared by the Government of the Canary Islands, came into force at 8am on Tuesday, November 26 but remains in place. The government said the decision was made by “taking into account 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).”
It warns of northeasterly or easterly winds of up to 19km/h with local areas experiencing winds of up to 28km/h. Sea conditions are expected to be rough with northwesterly swells of up to 3.5m.
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People are warned to take particular care during high tides, which are at 10.30am to 11.05am, and 11pm to 11.30pm local time on Wednesday, November 27. During rough sea conditions, people are urged to follow extra safety measures, which includes avoiding standing at the edge of piers or breakwaters and not driving along roads near the shoreline.
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The Directorate General of Emergencies also warns people not to swing at remote or unfamiliar beaches and observe red-flag warnings. People should also refrain from water sports and stay clear of the sea if they notice any abnormal wave activity, even if conditions seem calm.
Regarding swimming in Spain, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warns travellers to take care when swimming in the sea, especially around the Spanish Islands, which includes the Canaries. It adds: "Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs."