The storm Bruna begins to condition the weekend in the Canary Islands. The alert for rain comes into force at 21:00 hours this Saturday, 7 November - at 22:00 in the Peninsula -, with five islands on alert and another three on pre-alert.
La Palma will be the first to receive the episode. During Sunday, the precipitation will move toward the east of the archipelago. The Canarian Government considers accumulations that can reach or exceed 100 liters per square meter in twelve hours in La Palma.
Which islands are on alert because of Bruna
The situation for rain is not the same throughout the archipelago. This table records the declaration of Emergencies, the start of which is set for 21:00 hours on Saturday.
| Islands | Situation for rainfall | Forecast of the episode |
|---|---|---|
| La Palma | Alert | Start during the night of Saturday. Up to 30 liters/m² in an hour or more and 100 liters/m² in twelve hours or more. |
| El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria | Alert | Extension of the episode during Sunday. Persistent rainfall, with forecast intensities of about 25 liters/m² per hour. |
| Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa | Pre-alert | Advancement of the rainfall toward the east on Sunday. They may reach or exceed 20 liters/m² per hour, with less persistence. |
Source: Directorate General of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands. Canary time. The declaration remains subject to official updating.
The amounts are forecasts for the episode, not records of rainfall that has already fallen. Nor do they mean that all the municipalities on the same island will receive identical precipitation.
Storms and flooding have their own early warning
The Government of the Canary Islands has also issued an early warning for storms for the entire archipelago from 21:00 hours on Saturday. The forecast includes electrical activity and possible strong gusts associated with the storms.
Emergencies warns of uncertainty about their location and evolution. That is why the entry-into-force time for the measure should not be interpreted as a prediction of the exact time at which it will rain in each locality.
Added to these measures is the early warning for flood risk on all the islands. The accumulation of water and runoff can affect ravines and exposed areas, even if the place where a person is located is not receiving, at that moment, the most intense rainfall.
Bruna also affects wind, the coast, and Sunday’s activities
The regional device includes alerts for coastal phenomena and wind. These are risks distinct from rain: checking only whether it is raining is not enough to decide whether an activity by the sea or in elevated areas can be carried out safely.
The specific restrictions depend on the cabildos, city councils, and organizers. In Gran Canaria, the Interinsular Football Federation of Las Palmas has extended to Sunday, November 8, the suspension of the competitions within its scope that are held on the island. The decision does not amount to a general suspension of all Canarian sport.
What to do before it starts to rain
Official recommendations include checking drains and rooftops, avoiding travel during heavy rainfall, and staying away from the channels of ravines. If travel is essential, Emergencies advises taking extra precautions and preferably using main roads.
You should not enter flooded garages or basements, nor cross bridges that have been overtopped by water. People who live in exposed places should follow the instructions of the authorities and not wait for access to the home to be compromised.
Where to consult changes and restrictions
Before leaving, you have to review the notices of the Government of the Canary Islands and the communications from the corresponding county council and town hall. The regional statement can be maintained while local measures change regarding roads, trails, facilities, or activities.
112 is reserved for emergencies. To request information, the Canary Islands Government refers to 012.