Storm Emilia Sweeps Through Tenerife: Coastal Communities Remain Resilient

On Saturday, the island of Tenerife faced the brunt of Storm Emilia, which unleashed powerful waves that reached heights of nearly six meters. The storm’s impact was felt across the coastal regions, but local authorities and residents demonstrated remarkable preparedness and resilience in the face of nature’s fury.

Coastal Challenges Amid Storm Emilia

The storm generated tumultuous sea conditions, resulting in a coastline that was both dramatic and dangerous. Despite the ferocity of the waves crashing against the shores throughout the day, authorities reported no significant incidents. This was a relief, especially in light of a tragic event the previous week, where five individuals lost their lives in the waters surrounding the islands due to unsafe practices by swimmers and fishermen. In anticipation of Storm Emilia, local municipalities had heightened their focus on safety measures to protect both residents and visitors.

Proactive Measures in Garachico

In the town of Garachico, which is particularly susceptible to rough sea conditions, local officials took decisive action to prepare for potential hazards. Elvis de León, the local councillor for safety, emphasized that while the forecasts had raised concerns among the community, the actual incidents remained minimal. The first high tide occurred at 08:16, followed by another at 21:01. To ensure public safety, the maritime avenue was closed to both traffic and pedestrians starting at 18:00, while interior roads remained accessible for circulation. Fortunately, the waves did not result in any significant damage to the town’s infrastructure or properties.

Enhanced Surveillance in La Laguna

In La Laguna, local police ramped up their surveillance of coastal areas to ensure safety during the storm. The strong swell caused damage along the Camino de San Juanito in Punta del Hidalgo, which has been closed since the previous Friday. Despite clear warnings and the presence of police, some individuals disregarded the danger signs and ventured onto the path, prompting police intervention to prevent potential accidents.

False Alarm Triggers Response in San Juan de la Rambla

In San Juan de la Rambla, a false alarm was triggered by the OneUp rescue system, which is designed to activate in emergencies at Charco de La Laja. The system was set off due to the intense waves, leading to heightened alerts in the municipality. In response to the situation, local authorities took precautionary measures by closing bathing areas at this location, which has a history of dangerous conditions. This incident highlighted the importance of emergency systems and the need for community awareness during severe weather events.

Travel Disruptions Affecting Inter-Island Connectivity

The adverse sea conditions also had a significant impact on inter-island travel, with several routes being canceled due to the rough waters. The Armas shipping company was forced to suspend services for multiple vessels, including the Volcán de Taidía and Villa de Agaete. Passengers attempting to travel between islands faced considerable inconvenience, although operations were expected to resume on Sunday at various intervals as conditions improved.

Looking Ahead: A Forecast for Calm

As the storm subsides, sea conditions are anticipated to improve starting Sunday. On Saturday, a buoy operated by Port Authorities northeast of Gran Canaria recorded wave heights exceeding five meters, with even higher peaks noted in some areas. The orange and yellow weather warnings for adverse coastal phenomena remained in effect across the islands, but these alerts are expected to be lifted gradually throughout the day. The last islands to see a return to normal conditions will be El Hierro and La Palma, where warnings are set to be lifted by 14:00. Residents and authorities alike are hopeful for a swift return to calm seas and normalcy.

Key points

• Storm Emilia brought waves nearly six meters high to Tenerife.
• No significant incidents were reported despite the severe weather.
• Garachico implemented safety measures but experienced no major damage.
• Increased police surveillance was noted in La Laguna.
• A false alarm occurred in San Juan de la Rambla due to the OneUp rescue system.
• Inter-island travel faced disruptions with several routes canceled.
• Improvement in sea conditions is expected starting Sunday.