The Gobierno de Canarias declared the Prealerta (pre-alert) situation for the entire archipelago on 6 November 2026. The trigger is the approaching Borrasca Bruna. The declaration by the Dirección General de Emergencias will bring the Prealerta into force from 21:00 on Saturday, 7 November 2026, citing information from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) and the regional emergency plan PEINCA. The measure applies throughout the Comunidad autónoma de Canarias.
The warning centres on expected, locally very heavy and prolonged rainfall in the form of intense showers, which could cause urban flooding and rapid rises in barrancos and small watercourses (inundaciones pluviales and fluviales). In a statement on 6 November, AEMET described the development of Cyclone Bruna, with periods of heavy rain, storm-force gusts and rough seas. The Secretaría General de Protección Civil y Emergencias also draws attention to the increased risk.
The Canary Islands Government also highlights a high tidal coefficient (71 to 84) from Sunday to Tuesday and a medium value (around 64) on Wednesday. This creates an increased risk of coastal flooding from wave impact and spray, particularly on La Palma and along north- and west-facing stretches of coast. The main risk periods are two to three hours before and after the pleamares. The official statement gives example times for the pleamares: Sunday 00:00 to 00:25 and 12:15 to 12:40, Monday 00:30 to 01:00 and 12:50 to 13:15, Tuesday 01:05 to 01:30 and 13:25 to 13:50, Wednesday 01:40 to 02:05 and 14:00 to 14:25; these times vary by location.
The Prealerta stage is intended to prompt civil protection, local authorities and road, port and coastal safety services, as well as the public, to exercise increased caution and monitor warnings continuously. Operational instructions and any closures or diversions are decided by the relevant local response teams. Possible effects on transport, ports or utilities depend on local conditions.
The assessments cited are based on information published on 6 November 2026 by the Gobierno de Canarias, AEMET and the national civil protection authorities. Changes in intensity or timing are possible; the relevant authorities are updating their advice continuously.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).