A severe weather warning has been issued for the Canary Islands, where meteorologists predict a dangerous mix of conditions – including violent seas, powerful winds and snow
A severe weather warning has been issued across the holiday hotspot
Brits heading to a popular Spanish holiday hotspot have been put on alert after forecasters warned waves could soar beyond 10 metres this weekend.
A severe weather warning has been issued for the Canary Islands, where meteorologists predict a volatile system is set to lash the area with violent seas, powerful winds and heavy rain expected from late Friday and through Saturday. Spain’s state weather agency AEMET said a “cocktail” of adverse weather will make conditions particularly dangerous along the coast.
According to AEMET, waves could reach a significant height of five metres, but experts stressed this figure represents an average – meaning maximum heights could exceed a staggering 10 metres.
READ MORE: Brit in Tenerife issues warning to holidaymakers after series of tragic deathsREAD MORE: Tourist in Spain warned ‘we love to stab’ and sent death threats – after praising beachA severe weather warning has been issued for the Canary Islands
The most unstable period is forecast to peak between late Friday and continue throughout Saturday. Forecasters say the islands will be hit by a combination of strong winds, high humidity and cold air, bringing rain for much of the day. The heaviest precipitation is forecast for north-facing slopes and higher ground, where it is likely to fall as snow.
The peaks of La Palma and Tenerfie could turn white, with Gran Canaria seeing a lower chance. Winds from the north are meanwhile expected to be “very intense”, raising the risk of hazardous conditions both inland and on the coast.
The warm microclimate makes these islands popular with Brits year-round(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Sea conditions have been labelled “especially dangerous” by AEMET. Residents and tourists have been urged to follow officialy safety advice and monitor updates, with a special informational notice due to be issued later today.
The latest alert comes just days after a deadly incident in Tenerife saw four tourists killed while another was reported missing at the Charco de Isla Cangrejo natural pool in Los Gigantes.
Los Gigantes ‘natural pools’ have led to several tragic deaths in recent times (Image: imageBROKER/Robert Jank via Getty Images)
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday after around 20 bathers entered the water despite an official closure order at the popular spot. Two of the victims were Romanian nationals, while a third was Slovakian.
Mayor Emilio Navarro confirmed the area had been sealed off two days earlier due to a coastal pre-alert, with waves forecast to reach three metres. Warning signs in Spanish, English and German were in place at the time.
A similar tragedy in the same municipality on November 8 saw three people die while 15 were left injured by violent waves.
