The Canary Islands are currently grappling with the disruptive effects of the isolated high-level depression, known as DANA, which has intensified weather conditions since the weekend. This phenomenon, characterized by heavy rains, snowfall, and strong winds, has prompted various weather alerts across the archipelago.
The Agency of State Meteorology (Aemet) has been monitoring the situation closely, advising residents and visitors to remain vigilant as the storm system continues to develop. Forecasts indicate significant rainfall with isolated areas potentially experiencing severe conditions. Aemet's recent updates highlighted the likelihood of heavy downpours across all islands, particularly impacting La Palma and Tenerife, where accumulations could surpass 60 mm over twelve hours.
According to Vicente Pérez, meteorological reports reveal, "The atmospheric instability continues, causing strong rain and weather alerts throughout the region." This instability is primarily due to the DANA system, which introduces colder air masses from higher altitudes, leading to severe precipitation mixtures, including mud and potential hailstorms. The introduction of suspended dust particles is set to occur this week, resulting in unusual weather phenomena, such as rain mixed with dust, worsening air quality and visibility.
The Government of the Canary Islands has officially declared pre-alert statuses for various weather-related hazards. Starting from 9 PM on Saturday, December 21, alerts for rainfall were enacted covering areas like the northern slopes and mountainous regions of El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. These areas have been particularly susceptible to the effects of this intense weather system, with fears of flash floods and landslides prompting preventive measures.
The Director General of Emergencies emphasized the importance of taking precautions, noting, "From the afternoon of Saturday, the rainfall pre-alert affects the entire archipelago." This alert is compounded by warnings of strong winds, with gusts expected to reach 80 km/h at higher altitudes, especially on the mountains of La Palma and Tenerife. Aemet has issued yellow warnings indicating hazardous conditions, which are uncommon for this time of year.
Residents are advised to secure property and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours. The adverse maritime conditions predicted for Sunday morning indicate waves reaching up to 3-4 meters high along the coasts, making them perilous for sailing and coastal activities.
Snow is also part of the forecast for higher elevations above 2000 meters. Aemet revealed, "We expect snow above 2000 meters; it has been years since we saw such amounts," indicating potential disruptions for hiking and accessibility to popular mountain trails. Access to areas such as the Teide National Park has already been restricted due to snow and adverse conditions.
The following days, particularly Tuesday, are anticipated to see shifts within the weather pattern as the system begins to stabilize. Still, the dust entering the atmosphere could lead to mud rains affecting air quality. Aemet's detailed weather forecast indicates cloudy intervals for the western islands, with the possibility of lighter and more sporadic rains, transitioning to clearer skies.
Meanwhile, the northern parts of the islands might continue to face challenges from snow and rain, maintaining the weather instability through the beginning of the week. The expected conditions serve as a reminder for locals to stay informed through Aemet updates and heed the warnings set forth by emergency services.
Emergency responders continue stressing the significance of preparation, especially as families make travel plans for the upcoming holidays. Residents are reminded to stay home if possible and monitor local news for any sudden changes due to unpredictable weather conditions. The situation remains fluid, and authorities will issue updates as developments arise, ensuring community safety.
With the DANA system causing heightened concerns across the Canary Islands, officials are proactively managing the crisis, aiming to mitigate any incidents related to flooding or severe weather complications. The collaboration between Aemet and the local government demonstrates readiness and responsiveness to the potential risks posed by Mother Nature's unpredictability.
More updates on the weather situation will be disseminated via official channels as the storm evolves, ensuring the public is well-informed to navigate the challenging meteorological scenario affecting their islands.
