Storm Bruna puts Fuerteventura on alert for coastal conditions and on pre-alert for rain, wind, thunderstorms and flooding

The high-impact storm Bruna has prompted the Canary Islands Government to activate different emergency levels across the archipelago ahead of a cold front expected to cross the islands from west to east between this Saturday, 7 November, and Sunday.

In Fuerteventura, the Directorate General for Emergencies has declared an alert for coastal conditions, while pre-alerts have been issued for rain, wind, thunderstorms and the risk of both inland and coastal flooding.

The measures form part of the regional government’s preventive response, based on forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other meteorological sources.

The Canary Islands Government also warns that unsettled conditions could continue into next week due to a second disturbance of tropical origin, separate from storm Bruna.

Fuerteventura on watch as sea conditions worsen

One of the main risks forecast for Fuerteventura is deteriorating sea conditions.

The Canary Islands Government warns of the possibility of rough seas and swell of up to four metres along the northern and western coasts of the archipelago. As a result, it has issued an alert for coastal conditions across all the islands.

Rain and thunderstorms over the weekend

AEMET’s information for Sunday, 8 November, shows weather warnings in force across several islands, with the western islands and Gran Canaria particularly affected.

In Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, the regional government has issued pre-alerts for rain and wind, in addition to the pre-alerts for thunderstorms and flooding affecting the whole of the Canary Islands.

The overall forecast includes potentially intense and locally persistent rainfall, with accumulations of up to 100 litres per square metre in twelve hours in the worst-affected areas of the archipelago.

South-westerly winds are also expected, with gusts that could reach 90 kilometres per hour in high-altitude and particularly exposed areas.

However, these maximum values relate to the weather system forecast for the Canary Islands as a whole and should not be taken as a specific forecast for Fuerteventura.

Canary Islands Government urges people to take extra care

In response to the unsettled weather, the Directorate General for Emergencies has urged the public to take steps to protect themselves, particularly in coastal areas and when travelling.

Key recommendations include staying away from piers, breakwaters and places exposed to waves, and postponing water sports and swimming at remote or unpatrolled beaches.

During heavy rain, people are advised to limit road journeys, use main roads where possible, and avoid crossing ravines, waterways or flood-prone areas, even if they are usually dry.

People are also advised to secure items on balconies, windows and rooftops in case of strong winds, and to stay away from metal structures and trees during thunderstorms.

Unsettled weather could continue next week

The Canary Islands Government has said that, after the front associated with storm Bruna passes over the weekend, a new disturbance of tropical origin could keep weather conditions unsettled over the coming days.

The Directorate General for Emergencies will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with local authorities and the organisations involved in responding to possible incidents.

Weather forecasts may change as both weather systems develop, so people are advised to check the latest official updates from AEMET and the 112 Canarias emergency service.

Advice on how to protect yourself is available on the Canary Islands Government website:

https://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/emergencias/consejos/index.html

In an emergency, call 112.