Severe Coastal Conditions Lead to Beach Closures on Tenerife’s Northern Shore
On November 6, the northern coast of Tenerife faced significant disruptions due to a strong swell and high tides, leading to widespread beach closures and safety concerns for residents and visitors alike.
Consequences of High Surf on Local Beaches
This year marks the thirty-fifth occurrence of such coastal phenomena affecting the region. Reports indicate that waves have been exceeding three meters, prompting the closure of various beaches and natural pools across several municipalities, including Garachico, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, and La Laguna. These closures are not just a precaution; they are a necessary response to the dangerous conditions posed by the high surf.
The situation has been exacerbated by the beaver moon, the final full moon of autumn, which is noted for being particularly bright and intense. This lunar event has contributed to elevated tides and increased wave activity, compounding the risks associated with the already turbulent sea. The combination of natural phenomena has created a perfect storm of hazardous conditions, prompting urgent action from local authorities.
Government Warnings and Safety Measures Implemented
Prior to the closures, the Government of the Canary Islands issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the anticipated poor sea conditions. They forecasted combined wave heights ranging from 2 to 3 meters, alongside northern and northeastern winds blowing at force 4 to 5, translating to speeds of 20 to 40 km/h. Additionally, a swell and background sea from the northwest were expected to further elevate wave heights, leading to a pre-alert for coastal phenomena.
In response to these warnings, local councils in Tenerife took precautionary measures by closing several beaches and coastal areas. For instance, in Garachico, access to El Caletón, a site particularly vulnerable to strong waves, has been restricted. Although the pier beach remains open, it is currently marked with a red flag, indicating dangerous conditions. Andrés Hernández, the beach councillor for Garachico, mentioned that all furniture in the area would be removed to prevent it from being swept away by the waves, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
In Puerto de la Cruz, the beaches of El Charcón, Playa Chica, and El Castillo have been marked since Wednesday afternoon. This decision followed discussions between Felipe Rodríguez, the councillor for beaches, and the head of the lifeguard service, who indicated that wave heights could potentially reach between 4 and 6 meters if conditions deteriorate further. Rodríguez warned that all beaches in the municipality would be closed if such a scenario unfolded, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
Access to Bollullo beach in La Orotava has also been restricted. Local officials clarified that only crew members for a registered filming project were allowed access, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety restrictions to prevent accidents. This careful management of access is crucial in ensuring that no one is put at risk during these hazardous conditions.
In the San Cristóbal de La Laguna area, authorities have closed access to more exposed coastal regions, including Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo. Despite these closures, many tourists and onlookers have ignored safety warnings, dangerously approaching the shoreline to witness the turbulent sea. This behavior poses a significant risk not only to the individuals involved but also to emergency responders who may need to intervene.
The regional government based its decisions on reports from the State Meteorological Agency and other relevant sources, implementing the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks from Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA) to ensure public safety. This plan is designed to provide a structured response to adverse weather conditions, highlighting the importance of preparedness and community awareness in mitigating risks associated with severe weather.
Key points
- High surf and strong tides have led to beach closures in northern Tenerife.
- Waves exceeding three meters have been reported in the region.
- The beaver moon has intensified tidal conditions.
- Local councils have restricted access to several beaches, including El Caletón and Bollullo.
- Warnings from the Government of the Canary Islands indicated poor sea conditions with potential wave heights of 4 to 6 meters.
- Authorities are enforcing safety measures based on meteorological reports.
