High seas pummel Lanzarote

For most of this winter, high seas caused by Atlantic storms have brought big waves to the north coast of Lanzarote, while the south coast has generally remained calm and sheltered. But this week Storm Therese changed that, arriving from the south-west and pounding the resorts and towns of the south.

The rough seas, combined with high spring tides, have caused extensive damage to sea walls in Arrecife, and surf has surged into an unoccupied holiday rental property on the seafront of Playa Quemada.

In the north coast, police evacuated tourists from the area of Los Hervideros as large, unpredictable waves crashed into the exposed coastline.

Despite the wild waves, much of Lanzarote enjoyed long periods of sunshine yesterday afternoon, and this blend of sunny spells, blustery wind, and occasional localised showers is set to continue for the next few days, with a possibility of lightning and thunder over the weekend. 

Yellow alerts for wind and rough seas are in place today until 9pm.