Fuerteventura Keeps Coastal Alert Active Amid Deteriorating Sea Conditions
The Government of the Canary Islands has kept, since 00:00 today (Wednesday, 28 January), the coastal‑phenomena alert in force for Fuerteventura, due to the worsening state of the sea expected in the coming hours.
According to the General Directorate of Emergencies, the alert directly affects the northern and western coastline of the island, as well as the entire Jandía peninsula, where the greatest wave impact is anticipated. The eastern and southeastern coasts remain under a pre‑alert status for the moment.
Meteorological forecasts indicate a north‑west combined sea with waves ranging from four to five metres high, mainly swell‑driven, which will hit the exposed northern and western sectors with the greatest force. Along the rest of the island’s shoreline, wave heights are not expected to exceed about two metres.
The wave period will be long, 16 to 18 seconds, coinciding today with a medium tide coefficient (52), which will rise to 61 tomorrow (Thursday), intensifying the sea during high tides.
- High tides on Wednesday are expected roughly between 08:55 – 09:15 a.m. and 21:40 – 22:00 p.m.
- High tides on Thursday are forecast for 10:20 – 10:40 a.m. and 22:45 – 23:10 p.m., varying by zone.
Recommendations in Fuerteventura
Given the situation, residents are urged to avoid any activity near the sea, especially on open coasts, and to follow these self‑protection measures:
- Do not go onto piers, breakwaters, or rocky areas close to the water.
- Postpone nautical, sports, and recreational activities.
- Refrain from fishing in exposed areas and do not swim on unsupervised beaches.
- Stay away from the shoreline to film the waves, even if they appear to be subsiding.
- Respect all signage, flags, and instructions from security and lifeguard services.
In case of emergency or if someone is in danger, contact 1‑1‑2 immediately.
Situation in the Rest of the Archipelago
Beyond Fuerteventura, the coastal‑phenomena alert is also active on the islands of El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera, as well as on the northern and western coasts of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. The eastern and southeastern coasts of these islands remain under pre‑alert.
The activation of this alert follows the Canary Islands Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA) and will stay in force while the adverse sea conditions persist.